Bangkok: Rangsiman Rome, a prominent MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, has voiced his surprise at the continued silence of Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, regarding the call center gang problem. Rome emphasized the issue should be a central government policy and has called for the swift development of proactive measures to tackle the problem. He highlighted that key elements such as coordination between agencies and financial investigations are still lacking, criticizing the persistence of these gangs due to unresolved structural issues. Rome further questioned the existence of an arrest warrant for Mong Chit Tu, suggesting potential dereliction of duty.
According to Thai News Agency, Rangsiman Rome, who also serves as the chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and Reform, addressed the government's efforts to dismantle call center gangs. He expressed his surprise that the Bhumjaithai Party and Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, have remained quiet on this pressing issue. Rome questioned whether Anutin had reviewed the progress of electricity and internet projects under the Ministry's jurisdiction, stressing that cracking down on call center gangs should be a crucial government policy, as it would promote the white economy.
Rome urged Mr. Anutin to take proactive measures to effectively dismantle call center gangs, so normalcy can be restored. As the newly appointed chairman of the National Anti-Digital Crime Commission, Rome pointed out the missing coordination and real-time data sharing within the country's borders. He emphasized the importance of addressing money flows, particularly rapid remittances using cryptocurrency, and urged Mr. Anutin to instruct the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to amend ministerial regulations to track cryptocurrency spending.
Rome insisted on focusing on dismantling the criminal structure of transnational organized crime to eradicate call center gangs. This requires collaboration between the public prosecutor, police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Special Investigation, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also highlighted the need to target major players and brokers linked to these gangs, some of whom have fled, requiring scrutiny of their financial trails.
Additionally, Rome addressed the issue of Thais being lured into working for scammer gangs in Myawaddy, Myanmar. He acknowledged that recent operations in Myawaddy were small-scale and did not significantly address the criminal structure. He mentioned General Maung Chit Thu, commander of the Border Guard Force, who has been sanctioned by the United States for involvement in the call center gang. Rome questioned whether an arrest warrant had been issued and urged monitoring of potential neglect of duties.
Rome concluded by urging Mr. Anutin's government to take decisive action, warning that failure to do so would amount to neglecting its responsibilities. He stressed that despite Anutin's recent appointment as Prime Minister, his previous role as Minister of the Interior should have made him aware of the severity of the call center gang issue.