Bangkok: Siripong elaborated that Prime Minister Anutin is moving full steam ahead in cracking down on international scammers, establishing a large board, sealing borders, closing mule accounts, and destroying hideouts. He is also working with international forces, hoping to see tangible results within four months.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat clarified the measures taken by the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to address transnational scam gangs. He stated that since his appointment, the Prime Minister has remained steadfast in his commitment to the issue and has provided guidelines for relevant stakeholders to implement, emphasizing that this is a problem that requires the utmost urgency. The government has implemented proactive measures across all dimensions, including policy, diplomacy, law enforcement, and technology, to address cross-border cybercrime.
Mr. Siripong stated that on October 15th, the Prime Minister signed Prime Minister's Office Order No. 341/2568, appointing the Technology Crime Suppression and Prevention Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister and with the National Police Commissioner as a member. This committee aims to ensure an integrated and comprehensive online crime suppression effort across all agencies. Mr. Anutin also scheduled the first meeting of this committee for October 20th to develop a national strategy for the prevention and suppression of technology crime. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government will address the root causes, both domestically and internationally, and has instructed each agency to continuously report on progress.
Mr. Siripong said that regarding foreign cooperation, Mr. Anutin held a telephone conversation with Mr. Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Korea, who confirmed that Thailand is ready to cooperate with the Seoul government in cracking down on scammers using Cambodia as a base, following the murder of a South Korean student in Cambodia, which sparked pressure from the international community.
Thailand also cooperates with the United States and Laos. Recently, in Laos, the Prime Minister raised this issue as a key discussion point to seek regional cooperation. Today, the Prime Minister also met with the Chinese Ambassador to strengthen ties between the two countries. One of the topics discussed was the crackdown on transnational scammer gangs, and Thailand and China are ready to support this mission.
Mr. Siripong stated that, looking back, after Mr. Anutin was appointed Prime Minister by royal command, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) reported the suspension of tens of thousands of suspicious bank accounts, a measure the Prime Minister has consistently supported. He also ordered the Bank of Thailand to strictly monitor "mule accounts" and ordered mobile phone service providers to "clear mule SIM cards" by updating their customer databases monthly. He also provided a channel for the public to immediately report the suspension of suspicious numbers or accounts.
Meanwhile, police are expediting their crackdown on scammers, arresting and prosecuting several offenders, both Thai and foreign.
Anutin has instructed border security officials to strictly inspect the border and maintain the closure of the Thai-Cambodian border crossing to pressure Cambodian authorities to cooperate in cracking down on criminal gangs. He has also instructed relevant agencies to report their progress on a monthly basis and expedite reimbursement to victims.
"The government has done what it can, given the constraints on diplomatic relations that prevent leaders from holding regular direct discussions. Therefore, Thailand is taking all possible steps, both proactively and defensively, by seeking international cooperation and closing the blacklisted accounts that are causing hardship to Thais. The government has never ignored the problem, but is deeply concerned, knowing that people continue to fall prey to these criminals every day. The government is striving to address the issue and achieve tangible results within the four-month timeframe, so that the public can see clear results at both the policy and operational levels," said Mr. Siripong.