Bangkok: The Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) is conducting an investigation into a Chinese national who rented land from the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) to establish a call center.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, the TCSD Commander, has emphasized that Thailand is not a transit route for human trafficking despite recent cases involving victims from Myanmar. Of the 260 individuals who were assisted in returning to Thailand, only one was found to have been deceived into working there, while the remainder volunteered. The commander highlighted Thailand's appeal as a tourist destination with robust transport and communication infrastructure, making it an attractive location for call centers. This has led to the establishment of call center bases across the country, posing challenges in combating online crime.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong further elaborated on the efforts to differentiate between victims of human trafficking and those who willingly entered the country for work. He stressed that if coercion is involved, a thorough investigation is necessary, involving collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
The issue of Chinese investors allegedly renting ALRO land in Nakhon Ratchasima Province for a call center operation was also addressed. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong acknowledged ongoing investigations and noted that there has been no prior news of such activities taking root in Thailand. However, he admitted that illegal activities may occur due to past arrests of similar operations, including a recent case involving a Chinese-led group in Phuket. These operations have been known to relocate frequently to evade law enforcement.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong assured that there would be no permanent settlements for such illegal activities and reaffirmed the commitment to rigorously suppress call center operations and online crimes. He also mentioned that coordination with relevant agencies would continue to ensure comprehensive action against these activities.