Thailand, China to launch hub to fight scam call centers

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Thailand and China are intensifying their collaboration to dismantle scam call networks proliferating in Southeast Asia, particularly along Thailand’s borders with Myanmar and Cambodia.
A new coordination center will be established at Thailand’s national police headquarters in Bangkok, with another planned for Mae Sot, a district bordering Myanmar’s Myawaddy—a known hub for these operations.
The centers aim to combat telecom and online fraud schemes often run by trafficked workers. According to the United Nations, hundreds of thousands of people have been forced into scam operations across the region since the pandemic. Thai police confirmed that the Bangkok-based center will begin operations by February 2025.
“This center will work together [with China] to investigate and combat call center gangs based in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and along the Cambodian border,” Thai police said in a statement.
Human trafficking fuels scam networks
The rise of scam call centers is closely tied to human trafficking. Victims are often lured with false promises of high-paying jobs and then coerced into fraudulent activities under harsh conditions.
Myanmar alone has deported over 53,000 Chinese nationals from scam compounds since 2023, according to reports.
China has also stepped up its efforts following high-profile cases like the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was trafficked into a scam syndicate in Myawaddy before being rescued. The incident has drawn significant public attention to the issue.
Regional collaboration gains momentum
The initiative comes amid broader regional efforts to combat transnational crime. Earlier this month, officials from China, Myanmar, and Thailand met in Kunming to reach a consensus on eradicating telecom fraud centers in Myanmar. ASEAN member states are also prioritizing anti-scam measures, as highlighted during recent discussions by Aseanapol.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Weak governance in some areas allows scam networks to thrive, generating billions annually for organized crime groups. Experts emphasize the need for sustained international cooperation to disrupt these operations and provide justice for victims.
A step forward against organized crime
The Thailand-China coordination centers mark a significant step in addressing the growing threat of cross-border scams. By targeting criminal syndicates and rescuing trafficked individuals, authorities hope to dismantle these networks while ensuring greater regional security.
However, experts warn that long-term success will require ongoing collaboration and systemic reforms across Southeast Asia.