Sa Kaeo: The Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) is set to urgently fly to Sa Kaeo to facilitate the repatriation of 119 Thai nationals involved in an illegal call center operation in Cambodia. These individuals were apprehended for participating in online scams and working without legal authorization.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Commander of the TCSD, has been tasked by Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut, Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police, to oversee the return process of these individuals. The operation is being conducted in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. The Cambodian government has formally requested the Thai government to retrieve its nationals who were detained in Poipet, Cambodia, for their involvement in online criminal activities.
The Cambodian authorities reported that a total of 230 foreign nationals were apprehended during the crackdown, with 123 claiming Thai nationality. Upon verification, 119 of these individuals were confirmed to be Thai citizens, while the remaining included two Laotians and two Burmese nationals.
Preliminary investigations reveal that among the 119 individuals, eight have existing arrest warrants in Thailand, and ten are connected to 46 reported online crime cases. The Cyber Police are set to examine all mobile phones and electronic devices to gather further evidence. The process will initially involve the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
Cambodia's authorities have stated that the individuals entered the country illegally and voluntarily for the purpose of engaging in high-income illegal online work. They assert there was no evidence of forced labor or physical confinement.