Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Prawit Wongsuwan, recently stated in an interview at the government building that Thailand has implemented three stringent measures in the past three months to combat the spread of telecommunications fraud in northern Myanmar. These measures include cutting off electricity, internet, and stopping fuel supply. The actions have begun to show effectiveness, with a noticeable reduction in scam activities in some border areas.
Prawit pointed out that these measures have significantly impacted the fight against telecommunication fraud, especially in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai Province and Mae Sot district of Tak Province along the Thai-Myanmar border, where cross-border telecom fraud issues have greatly alleviated. He also revealed that despite these successes, the current main challenge is coordinating with countries like African, Latin American nations, and Ethiopia to facilitate the repatriation of deported individuals smoothly. The Thai government is collaborating with private foundations to provide assistance and gradually increase the number of repatriations to alleviate the issue of stranded individuals.
Regarding the efforts against Cambodia, Prawit mentioned that they are still in the coordination phase, needing continuous monitoring of the movements of scam gangs to root out larger-scale masterminds. He also disclosed that the anti-fraud measures would continue for four months, after which a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to decide on subsequent strategies. However, he admitted that it is challenging to directly implement the "three cuts" measures in the border areas of Laos and Cambodia, as criminal gangs might find alternative channels.
Prawit also mentioned that the Thai government is promoting the "Seal Stop Safe" comprehensive measures, which not only help combat telecommunications fraud and human trafficking but also curb drug crimes. Given the involvement of large gangs, overlapping fields, and transnational backgrounds, about 60% of the suspects have been successfully arrested. Future efforts will expand investigations to continue pursuing higher-level suspects.
In response to some border businesses expressing concerns that the anti-fraud measures affect exports, Prawit responded that the impact on small traders is limited. Currently, Thailand only restricts materials flowing to fraud gangs, and official regular import and export channels remain open, so overall trade has not been significantly impacted.
