Thailand, February 23rd, 2025 – Thai government advisor Jirayu Huangsap announced a joint Thai-Cambodian operation targeting call center gangs along the eastern border in Sa Kaeo.
Following Thai intelligence reports, Cambodian police raided a three-story building in the Compound Plaza, Poipet, Banteay Meanchey, suspected of housing Thai nationals tricked into working for a Chinese-run online scam and gambling operation. The property is linked to a senior Cambodian official, according to Jirayu, however, this official was not immediately identified.
Authorities rescued 215 foreign nationals, including 109 Thais, along with individuals from Taiwan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and India. Thai and Cambodian security officials are now verifying their identities and investigating whether they were victims or involved in illegal activities.
The raid followed a Thai police meeting with Cambodia’s Deputy Police Chief on February 21st. Jirayu noted that this was the largest rescue of Thai nationals from an online scam hub in the region. Crackdowns will continue, and Thai police and consular officials will assist at the border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo.
Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra urged all agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and coordinate with foreign embassies for legal proceedings.
