Thai official accuses Cambodia of enabling transnational scam
Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has accused Cambodia of becoming a global hub for cybercrime, escalating tensions between the two countries. The Bangkok Post reported that Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong cited recent reports, including a study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to support claims that large-scale scam and fraud operations are thriving in Cambodia with the alleged backing of powerful domestic actors.
In the UNODC report, one high-profile case cited is Singapore’s billion-dollar money laundering scandal, where criminal proceeds were allegedly channelled through illegal online gambling operations in the Philippines and scam centres in Cambodia.
According to Thai officials, the area around Poipet, a border town opposite Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, has emerged as a base for online fraud networks and call-centre syndicates. Thai authorities noted a clear drop in online scam cases — down from 1,300 to 900 in a single day — after border checkpoints were temporarily closed on 7 June.
The minister stated that border restrictions and increased surveillance hinder the movement of Thai nationals into Cambodian territories suspected of hosting scam operations, thereby disrupting cybercrime activities targeting Thailand.
Thailand reports progress in anti-scam operations
The Thai government has responded with intensified countermeasures. The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), launched in November 2023, has handled over 1.18 million cases as of March 2025. Authorities have frozen more than half a million bank accounts and prevented nearly 20 billion baht in financial losses.
A dedicated hotline has also logged 1.77 million calls, leading to the suspension of over 680,000 accounts connected to online scams. Authorities say these efforts are helping reduce the volume and impact of fraud across the country.
New policy measures include tighter control over mule accounts, sender identity verification for telecom services, improved tracking systems, and frameworks to reimburse victims. Thai officials have also begun implementing provisions under the Cybercrime Prevention and Suppression Act to sustain progress.
Cambodian Prime Minister pushes back at allegations
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet earlier dismissed the accusations, suggesting that neighbouring countries pointing fingers are themselves engaged in similar activities. Speaking after an event in Phnom Penh, Hun Manet criticised what he called a pattern of blame-shifting, asserting that Cambodia is being unfairly targeted.
Despite the denial, Cambodia remains under scrutiny. The UNODC has identified Sihanoukville as a major centre for global scams, and Thai authorities have suggested possible links between Cambodian political elites and fraudulent online gambling operations. The Cambodian leadership rejects such claims.
