Bangkok: Thailand, the United States, and South Korea have intensified their collaboration to tackle the rising problem of scams and call center gangs operating across borders. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the continuous efforts by these countries to combat transnational crime, emphasizing their readiness to cooperate with other nations in this fight.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plankul, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the recent announcement by the US on taking decisive action against online crime in Southeast Asia. This move is in line with Thailand's ongoing efforts to collaborate with various countries and sectors to combat transnational crime, focusing on online scams and fraud centers impacting both regional and international communities. These crimes are often linked to more severe transnational offenses, including human trafficking, forced labor, and money laundering. Mr. Nikorndej emphasized that the dialogue and information exchange with the US have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, as these issues transcend national boundaries and require a concerted effort at subregional, regional, and global levels.
In response to South Korea's deployment of officials to assist civilians, Mr. Nikorndej clarified that Thailand initiated actions against scammers and call center gangs, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. Thailand has previously assisted numerous victims of call center scams from various countries, underscoring the international nature of this problem. Several nations involved in call center gangs and transnational crime have sought cooperation from Thailand for in-depth information and victim assistance. The collaboration with South Korea, including the deployment of officials to Cambodia, is part of this broader international effort.
Mr. Nikorndej also noted that Thailand has been engaging with Cambodia through bilateral mechanisms such as the GBC and RBC to address transnational activities and crime. Thailand's longstanding efforts in this area are set to continue, with potential future discussions with South Korea to explore additional solutions. He confirmed Thailand's readiness to address the issue and cooperate with all countries, particularly those promoting this agenda in ASEAN forums. Countries affected by transnational crime are beginning to play an active role, and Thailand remains committed to supporting these efforts.