Bangkok: "Chutipong" has expressed concerns over the government's lack of urgency in tackling call center gangs operating from Cambodia. He revealed that the subcommittee on suppressing these gangs will consult with the "Council of State" to establish guidelines for using the Cyber Decree. Despite a close relationship between the two countries at the leadership level, there has been little progress in addressing the issue. In the fiscal year 2015, damages amounted to 10 billion baht. He emphasized that as long as these criminals operate through mobile phones, public safety remains at risk, urging a focus on addressing the root cause.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chutiphong Pipoppinyo, Rayong MP of the Prachachon Party and chairman of the subcommittee on preventing and suppressing human trafficking, call center gangs, and mule accounts, spoke before a meeting regarding the resurgence of call center gangs. He criticized the lack of concrete action from government agencies, despite the Royal Decree on technology crime prevention being in place. The committee meeting will address enforcement challenges of the Royal Decree, with insights sought from the Council of State to understand enforcement or potential amendments. Mr. Chutiphong highlighted the committee's near-completion of its work, aiming for comprehensive outcomes.
Mr. Chutiphong pointed out that while the government has taken steps like cutting electricity and oil supplies to Myanmar, which showed some effectiveness, progress at the Cambodian border has been lacking. Despite close ties between Thailand and Cambodia, high-level negotiations to address the issue have not materialized. Recent visits by the Prime Minister to Cambodia have raised expectations for discussions on border call center gangs.
When asked about the government's response to a recent scam involving a Thai doctor, Mr. Chutiphong stressed that no one is safe as long as these operations are active on mobile phones. He noted that victims are not limited to the elderly but include educated professionals. The call center gangs use psychological tactics, creating fear and manipulating emotions, to deceive individuals. Mr. Chutiphong urged a focus on eliminating the root of the problem at the border, as their presence on mobile phones poses a pervasive threat.
Despite cutting electricity and oil, Mr. Chutiphong revealed that call center operations persist in Myanmar due to alternative power sources like generators. Information from a subcommittee meeting indicated similar setups in Cambodia, with medium-sized generators in front of new small townhouses. He questioned the lack of action against Cambodian gangs, especially given that Poipet's main electricity comes from Thailand. Mr. Chutiphong urged the government to act swiftly, noting that the financial losses and impact on citizens are significant.
He emphasized the urgency of government intervention, highlighting the financial strain on citizens and the economy due to scams. In the current fiscal year, over 90,000 cases have been reported, indicating a persistent issue despite expectations of a decline. Mr. Chutiphong called for immediate action to prevent further losses and stimulate economic stability.