BANGKOK, Thailand – “Better late than never!” Rome, a list MP from the opposition and deputy leader of the People’s Party, has called out key figures behind the Cambodian call center gangs, claiming they are Thai nationals. He hinted that “Hia Tue,” who also owns properties on the Myanmar side in Myawaddy, is linked to these networks. He revealed that the “L.Y.P. Group” serves as an important financial base for the Cambodian government and is involved in building an Entertainment Complex that even encroaches on Thai territory near Trat province. He also reminded authorities not to forget about Pol. Maj. Gen. Tor.
Rangsit Rome, a list MP and deputy leader of the People’s Party, posted on X and Facebook regarding the Thai government’s recent firm measures against cybercrime gangs based in Cambodia. He said that although he is deeply concerned about the relationship between the Shinawatra family and the Cambodian government, the government’s recent crackdown aligns with his long-standing proposals. He lamented that such measures should have been taken much earlier.
“But better late than never,” he wrote. “I believe the government must speed up action, especially targeting the key pillars of the Cambodian call center gangs, such as Hia Tue, who I believe is a Thai national and whose associates around the Prime Minister’s circle would easily identify. For more details, Hia Tue also owns the Star Complex on the Myanmar side at Myawaddy and casinos in Poipet. Chasing criminals like Hia Tue will confirm that the government’s policy is serious and not just empty threats aimed at the Cambodian government.”
Rome added that the dismantling of the L.Y.P. Group’s business, which has also been sanctioned internationally, must also be urgently addressed. The group’s owner is a Thai national holding Cambodian citizenship and is a key financial base for the Cambodian government. If assets linked to illegal activities are found in Thailand, they should be immediately seized.
He also pointed out that this Cambodian businessman is involved in the construction of an Entertainment Complex, which includes call center gangs and has buildings encroaching on Thai soil near Trat province (construction is now halted, but some buildings remain over the border). The government must have clear measures to deal with these gray-area Chinese buildings and decide whether to allow further encroachment.
Rome emphasized that after arresting major criminals, the government should expand its efforts to further suppress call center gangs. He believes that collaboration with other countries, especially China and Japan, is essential since China has significant influence in supporting these efforts, and Japan also suffers from call center scams linked to the Yakuza.
He stressed that the crackdown on call center gangs is not only a national priority but should also be a global agenda. Therefore, he strongly supports Thailand becoming a central hub for these suppression efforts.
“P.S. Since we’re talking about call center gangs, I want to follow up on the case of Pol. Maj. Gen. Tor — where is that going? Or is it ultimately going to end in mutual assistance?” Rome concluded. (TNA)
