Bangkok: Police officials have engaged in discussions with ambassadors from five countries and representatives from 18 other embassies to enhance information exchange and tackle the ongoing issue of call center gangs. This initiative aims to aid in the identification and rescue of victims while bolstering international cooperation against transnational crime.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut, Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police, who also serves as the Director of both the Anti-Human Trafficking Center and the Technology Crime Suppression Center. The session, held at the Sriyanon Room, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, included participation from Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongsayam Meekhantong, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, along with delegates from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The meeting highlighted the outcomes since the first joint session, showcasing the effectiveness of the seven stringent measures implemented by Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief. These measures include questioning and screening tourists in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, which has successfully deterred 58 tourists from continuing their travel plans into potentially dangerous areas. The Thai government's strategy, led by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, of cutting off essential services to Myawaddy, Myanmar, has further pressured the call center gangs, resulting in the release of numerous victims and the arrest of several perpetrators. The embassies involved expressed appreciation for these efforts.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai emphasized the importance of coordinating with international embassies to exchange detailed information and IP addresses to identify gang locations. This collaboration is crucial for assessing whether individuals are still being deceived into traveling to Myawaddy, and for conducting thorough investigations to arrest those responsible. The Royal Thai Police have already established a platform for efficient information exchange with the embassies.
Furthermore, Pol. Gen. Thatchai reaffirmed the commitment of Thai authorities to assist neighboring countries in suppressing call center gangs and supporting deceived victims through screening mechanisms and the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). The continued partnership with embassies and organizations like UNODC is essential for enhancing these efforts. The Royal Thai Police plan to maintain close coordination, with all parties involved expressing willingness to collaborate in the ongoing mission to dismantle call center gangs and repatriate victims effectively.