Rome: Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP of the Prachachon Party and chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform, has suggested implementing a cross-border permit system to combat call center gangs. He led the committee on a visit to the Myanmar border to discuss the issue with government and local security agencies at the Rajamanu Task Force meeting room in Mae Sot District, Tak Province.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rangsiman emphasized the need for increased support in combating call center scams, acknowledging that while immediate suppression and control efforts have been effective, long-term solutions require more resources. These include additional budget, technology, and manpower to address policy and legal challenges, such as the misuse of solar panels and Starlink technology by the gangs.
Mr. Rangsiman noted that despite established security measures, including airport and road checkpoints, foreigners aiming to join or being lured into call center activities present significant challenges. He highlighted potential flaws in the visa-free measure and advocated for a permission system for border entry. Discussions are ongoing regarding illegal crossings, with reports of nighttime smuggling of goods and people.
The committee also met with Mr. Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of Public Security of China, to discuss cross-border crime issues. Mr. Rangsiman expressed concerns about influential figures like Mong Chit Thu, who controls significant areas such as Shwe Kokko, potentially harboring hundreds of thousands involved in scams. He stressed the need for enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and other strategies to tackle these networks effectively.
Mr. Rangsiman addressed the complexity of screening individuals extradited to Thailand, with over 90 percent claiming voluntary work involvement. He pointed out language barriers and embassy limitations as challenges in determining the extent of involvement in call center operations. Efficient screening processes are crucial to identifying key players within these criminal networks.
When asked about collaboration with the Chinese government, Mr. Rangsiman stated that while their information is valuable, it is insufficient alone to dismantle the gangs. He cited the difficulty in apprehending figures like Wan Kok Khoi, a notorious mafia leader, and emphasized the need for decisive action against criminals like Mong Chit Thu.
Mr. Rangsiman concluded by asserting that accountability is essential if legal actions, such as arrest warrants, are not pursued by prosecutors in collaboration with the DSI. He stressed the importance of upholding Thai law against domestic and international criminal activities.