Bangkok: The National Police Commissioner has initiated a strategic operation named "Close the Door and Smash the Rice Pot" with the aim of eliminating large-scale call centers within a three-month timeframe. This was announced during a meeting held in the IAC war room, led by Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Commander of the International Anti-Scam and Human Trafficking Syndicate Command Center (IAC).
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting included key figures such as Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Mr. Suriyan Praphasawat, Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthasit Sudsongwan, and representatives from multiple agencies like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and the Bank of Thailand. The IAC war room will involve cooperation from international organizations including the UNODC, FBI, and Interpol to manage and respond to call center issues effectively.
Cambodia has been identified as a major hub for a global network of call centers that defraud citizens across various countries. The operation aims to dismantle these networks by employing a comprehensive system that focuses on suppression, account suspension, and money trail monitoring. The "Shut the Door and Smash the Rice Pot" concept underlines the urgency and intensity of the planned crackdown.
Pol. Gen. Thachchai highlighted the issue of Thais illegally crossing into Cambodia to join these call center gangs, labeling it an act of treason. The police are moving swiftly to apprehend and prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law. The urgency of the crackdown is emphasized by the need to halt the fraudulent activities that not only exploit Thai citizens but also fund activities that threaten national security. The operation is expected to cut off the financial support of these networks, thereby ending the cycle of global fraud.