SURIN, Thailand – Thailand’s Army Intelligence chief led FBI agents and defense attachés from 20 nations to the Cambodian border on Tuesday to witness the scale of transnational “scammer centers” operating in the region.
Lt. Gen. Teeranan Nandhakwang, Director of the Directorate of Intelligence took officials from countries including the U.S., Malaysia, and Vietnam to the Chong Jom checkpoint, opposite Cambodia’s O’Smach. The mission aimed to expose organized crime networks that have increasingly targeted global citizens.
Authorities identified two primary bases: O’Smach Resort and Royal Hill. The latter features three six-story buildings used as offices and housing for an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 workers. Operations were reportedly organized by target nationality, including specialized units for Vietnam, Singapore, and India.
Military officials described a highly systematic infrastructure, discovering evidence of simulated materials used to defraud victims. While Thai police are gathering evidence for prosecution, the army is providing security and site access.
The inspection highlighted a grim humanitarian toll. Lt. Gen. Teeranun reported that many Thai victims are being held and tortured in these compounds. He noted that previous rescue attempts were often blocked by local claims that no victims were present.
Officials linked the bases to the deployment of over 100 drones that injured Thai personnel, leading to recent military actions. Thai forces currently control roughly 100 rai (40 acres) of the affected area, though many workers reportedly fled following an operation on December 8.
“We detected over 100 drone flights, including suicide drones that caused explosions and injured our personnel. This massive drone activity marked the site as a clear military target, prompting our forces to launch an operation. Initially, we were unaware that this location was being used as a scam center,” said Lt.Gen.Teeranan.
The scammer groups are highly mobile, moving from Cambodia to other neighboring countries or deeper inland from Poipet.
Despite the crackdown, officials warned the threat remains high. Deputy national police chief Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot stated that while the military monitors the area, the infrastructure remains intact.
Authorities recovered numerous discarded passports at the site, which are now being used to identify victims and pursue legal action against the syndicates. (TNA)
