Mr. Chai-amphon Manphienchit, a member of the Thai National Party from Bangkok, recently revealed in a parliamentary speech a shocking fact: cross-border telecommunications fraud gangs are active in parts of Bangkok, specifically targeting Thai youth over the age of 20 for fraud and trafficking.
According to Mr. Chai-amphon, these gangs have been particularly active in the Bang Khun Thian and Chom Thong areas recently.
He disclosed that on January 9, he visited the Bangmod Police Station after receiving a plea from parents whose child, A, was suspected of being deceived into going to Poipet, Cambodia. The member of parliament contacted A via video call and learned the details of the case.
The fraud gangs use the bait of "fulfilling dreams" to precisely target young people's aspirations. It is reported that 21-year-old A hoped to become a football player, and the criminal gang lured him to Cambodia with promises of high returns.
Mr. Chai-amphon pointed out that these gangs can even predict the victims' career interests and attract young people by disguising opportunities.
According to A, he and four other young people were picked up by a van in Bangkok's Soi Suksawat 14, taken to a place to "train in football" on the first day, and then sent to Poipet the next day. He tried to convey his location to his family and the police through videos and photos after realizing something was wrong.
Heartbreakingly, A was taken to an 18-story building where he found many other Thais, some deceived and others who had gone there voluntarily.
He was told he would soon be involved in opening accounts and "working," but he expressed his desire to return to Thailand under the guise of an excuse. He has since maintained contact with the member of parliament and his family.
Mr. Chai-amphon emphasized that this case is just the tip of the iceberg. He has coordinated with the Bangmod Police Station, Aranyaprathet Immigration Office, Sa Kaeo Province, and local authorities in Poipet to try to rescue A and combat the criminal network through various means. He stated, "This is not just about the fate of one child, but a test of the entire society's safety."
The member of parliament urges Thai youth and parents to be vigilant, not to trust strangers' high promises lightly, and urges the government to strengthen efforts to combat cross-border fraud and trafficking to prevent more families from falling into similar tragedies.
