PM steps up crackdown on cross-border scams, says Cambodia lost B30bn

Paetongtarn vows tougher crackdown on cross-border scams after UN names Cambodia global cybercrime hub, with losses topping 30 billion baht.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday (June 23) ordered a more aggressive crackdown on transnational crime, following a recent UN report naming Cambodia as one of the world’s largest cyber-scam hubs.

Speaking at a high-level meeting with security and digital economy agencies, Paetongtarn stressed the need for tighter controls along the Thai-Cambodian border and warned that enforcement would be intensified rather than eased.



“We’ve seen a significant drop in call centre scam cases since enforcement began,” she said, citing cooperation from the military, security agencies, and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

“The United Nations has confirmed that Cambodia is one of the global centres for cybercrime. So we must step up our preventive measures, especially in border areas with persistent issues,” she added.

The crackdown has already dealt a heavy financial blow to criminal networks. Security agencies reported that Cambodia had lost more than 30 billion baht in illicit income due to the suppression of scam operations.

“This is not the end. The more they lose, the safer our people become. We will continue our efforts and intensify operations to ensure Thailand remains a safe and secure place for its people,” the prime minister said.

She also urged law enforcement to act as the “eyes and ears” for the public and to ensure that scam-related cases continue to decline.





Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Paetongtarn said the government had agreed on five key measures to be implemented immediately, with all agencies required to follow clear timelines and KPIs.

She vowed the crackdown would yield measurable results within three months, particularly in reducing the number of scam complaints, financial losses, and increasing asset seizures and prosecutions.

Border security tightened across 7 provinces

Under the first measure, security forces will step up controls along the border by restricting opening hours at border checkpoints in seven provinces. Vehicle and foot traffic will be prohibited except in clearly justified cases, such as students, patients, and essential daily trade. Additionally, foreign tourists will be barred from gambling in border areas, and air travel to Siem Reap for gambling purposes will be closely monitored.

Digital crackdown on mule accounts and call centres

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), through its Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) , will intensify investigations into mule accounts and financial networks linked to transnational scam operations.

It will also suspend internet and undersea cable services believed to support Cambodian military and government-linked facilities suspected of involvement in cybercrime.

The AOC will work with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to impose sanctions on individuals found laundering money, including freezing and confiscating assets moved abroad.

Suspension of fuel and key goods exports

To further disrupt criminal networks, the government will halt the export of electricity, fuel, and other goods that may support illegal cross-border operations. Particular focus will be given to suspending fuel exports to Cambodia, which are believed to facilitate criminal activity.

Support for affected farmers and SMEs

The Commerce Ministry has been assigned to launch mitigation efforts for Thai farmers and SMEs affected by border measures. It will coordinate with state agencies and the private sector to purchase surplus agricultural and local products.

Thailand to lead regional anti-scam cooperation

The Foreign Ministry will coordinate with other countries and international organisations to dismantle transnational scam networks, with the goal of positioning Thailand as a regional hub for joint cybercrime operations.

“This issue is a national priority. I have instructed all agencies to set clear timelines and KPIs. Within three months, we must see a tangible drop in complaints, damages, and a rise in prosecutions and asset seizures,” Paetongtarn said. “We are determined to eliminate this threat quickly and ensure the public receives clear, accurate communication about what we are doing.”

(2025/06/23-00:00)