Nodding dolls, secret signals—15 Thais arrested in illegal gambling scam
Thailand authorities have issued arrest warrants for 15 individuals recently repatriated from Cambodia’s border town of Poipet over their alleged involvement in illegal online gambling operations. The move follows a major crackdown by Cambodian authorities targeting cyber scams and fraudulent activities.
According to CCIB chief Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, the 15 suspects were accused of streaming live gambling sessions in private Line chat groups targeting Thai citizens, local media reported. They reportedly used props such as a nodding doll to signal when live broadcasts were active, luring players into betting.
Reportedly, several bobblehead figures were employed by suspects during live-streamed gambling sessions. These dolls, characterized by their oversized, spring-connected heads that bobble with minimal movement, were strategically used to discreetly signal the commencement of live broadcasts within private Line chat groups targeting Thai citizens.
This subtle cue indicated to group members that a gambling session was underway, thereby luring participants into placing bets.
119 Thais Deported in One Month
Last month, The Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) confirmed that Cambodian officials arrested 119 Thai nationals in Poipet and transferred them back to Thailand for further investigation.
Of these, 93 individuals were already charged for participating in a transnational criminal organisation, engaging in fraud, and inputting misleading information into computer systems to deceive the public. And now, several arrest warrants have been issued.
Seven other returnees were detained on separate charges by officers from Thailand’s Provincial Police Region 2. The remaining 19 included four minors, while 15 were allegedly running illegal online gambling operations. Authorities have arrested five of these suspects so far, with the rest still at large.
The crackdown is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to combat cybercrime. Authorities have been actively dismantling networks involved in online scams, gambling, and financial fraud. Recent arrests have included individuals linked to call centre scams, fake online shopping platforms, and fraudulent investment schemes.
Poipet won’t escape attention
Moreover, this crackdown coincides with Thailand’s increasing concerns over security at its border with Cambodia’s Poipet region. Last week, the Thai government proposed constructing a border wall to curb illegal crossings and combat the growing cyber scam industry.
Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab confirmed that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed officials to assess the feasibility of a barrier to prevent call centre fraudsters, drug traffickers, and contraband smugglers from operating in the region. The proposal will be discussed with Thailand’s Foreign and Defence Ministries in coordination with Cambodian authorities.
The move follows similar measures along the Thai-Myanmar border, where authorities have disrupted scam centres by cutting off power, internet, and fuel supplies to known crime hubs.
Royal Thai Police Inspector-General Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot recently visited Cambodia to coordinate the prosecution of the suspects. He noted that many Thai fraudsters deliberately target their own compatriots and, when caught, claim they were tricked into working for criminal organisations.
