SA KAEO, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai led a team to Sa Kaeo to inspect the progress of border sealing and crackdowns on drug trafficking, call center scams, and cybercrime.
Phumtham traveled from the Police Aviation Division to the helicopter landing site at the 13th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, before heading to Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports Surawong Thienthong, Secretary-General of the National Security Council Chatchai Bangchuad, and other relevant officials.
During the visit, Phumtham chaired a meeting to assess the progress of operations and provide policy directives. He received updates from Sa Kaeo Governor Parinya Phothisat on the implementation of the Seal Stop Safe border control policy under the 1st Army Area Command, led by Lt. Gen. Amarit Boonsuya. Discussions also covered the suppression of drug trafficking, call center scams, and human trafficking at the Sa Kaeo border.
Additionally, Police Major General Thitawat Suriyaichai, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, reported on cybercrime suppression strategies, while Police Major General Wiwat Khamchamnarn, Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, discussed mobile network disruptions. Representatives from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) provided insights on cutting telephone and internet signals used for criminal activities. Other reports included updates on electricity supply to neighboring countries by the Provincial Electricity Authority and investigations into Thai nationals opening mule bank accounts in Sa Kaeo.
In the afternoon, Phumtham visited Tha Kham Subdistrict to inspect operations under “Aranyaprathet 68” at four key locations:
-An integrated security checkpoint jointly operated by the military, local administration, and police at Tha Kham.
-A mobile network transmission tower in Ban Khok Sabang, Tha Kham.
-The removal of illicit communication lines at Benjawan Market, Pa Rai.
-The permanent border crossing at Ban Khlong Luek, where he was briefed on immigration movements by the Immigration Police Chief and the Commander of the Burapha Task Force.
He later visited troops stationed at the 12th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, to offer support before returning to Bangkok in the evening.
Phumtham emphasized that the visit aimed to address critical issues, including reports about a 25-story building near the border, which prompted the decision to inspect Sa Kaeo. He reassured that all concerns, regardless of their source, would be investigated. The NBTC had already intervened in network signal issues, but further technical evaluations were necessary. Discussions with three private telecom operators revealed additional challenges, which would be further reviewed, with directives to follow. (TNA)
