Sa Kaeo: Police Region 2, together with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), launched Operation Aranyaprathet 68 SEAL BORDER to intercept call center gangs along the border in Sa Kaeo Province, which borders a neighboring country that is the call center gang's base of operations.
According to Thai News Agency, this morning at Khlong Luek Police Station, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos Thepjamnong, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, along with Mr. Trirat Viriyasirikul, Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, held a meeting with all parties to review the results of past operations and set strict joint measures to enhance border protection measures to suppress call center gangs. The focus was on measures to suspend telecommunications services in the border area of Sa Kaeo Province. Guidelines for telecommunications services were explained to business licensees, and investigation officers examined the telecommunications business licensees regarding the provision of telephone signals from mobile phone base stations and internet services to Cambodia.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos stated that the interception measures include setting up checkpoints, searching suspicious individuals and vehicles, and assisting crime victims. The police are employing all strategies to prevent and suppress crimes, particularly online fraud. Measures include cutting off internet communication for tenants who misuse it for fraud. For small companies (IPLC) that breach contracts by using communications as a crime tool, signals sent to neighboring countries will be cut off and frequencies reduced. Continuous monitoring and prevention of online fraud, regarded as a transnational crime, are being emphasized through operations such as 'knock down the pole, cut the line, destroy the SIM.'
Mr. Trirat outlined three NBTC measures focusing on poles, cables, and SIM cards. Poles exceeding 50-60 meters will be dismantled, and signal power reduced to below international standards. The NBTC will determine the appropriate height and transmission power for signal poles and schedule installations after necessary cuts. The goal is to ensure signals remain within Thailand while addressing any signal leakages.
Upon inquiry about the increased use of signals for call centers, Mr. Trirong acknowledged the rise but could not confirm the specific usage. However, unusual activity was noted, such as a SIM box number consistently calling, an abnormal pattern. New regulations on signal tower installations near the border will be implemented, focusing on height and transmission strength. Companies must provide justifications for signal panels facing neighbors, failing which the NBTC will order cuts. Non-compliance by private companies will incur joint responsibility.
The news team found internet cables extending to neighboring countries along the railway. Mr. Trirong confirmed that both small and large companies could legally send these signals with proper concessions. The NBTC will investigate and cut off signals exceeding the permitted limits.
Additionally, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos and related agencies have established a national referral center to assist victims. In the afternoon, inspections of mobile phone base stations and international connection points by Provincial Police Region 2 and NBTC will occur at Khlong Luek border railway station and other locations within Aranyaprathet District.