At the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, Thailand and China emphasized their commitment to combatting cross-border crime, particularly scams, following recent incidents and relocations of these operations. Thailand has taken decisive actions, including cutting off internet and power supplies to affected areas, and efforts to repatriate scam workers continue. Diplomatic discussions with Cambodia are also underway to address territorial disputes and rumors of scam relocations.

At the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reaffirmed Thailand’s dedication to fighting transnational border crime during a meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. Sun noted that Maris’s participation would encourage Myanmar and other nations impacted by cross-border crime and call center scams to unite in tackling these issues effectively.

Following reports of a Chinese actor being kidnapped and trafficked through Thailand to a scam operation, China initiated a collaborative effort to combat call-center scams at the Myanmar border. In recent actions, Thailand has agreed to cut off power and internet services to five affected areas along the Myanmar border. Subsequently, a Myanmar militia has collected thousands of workers from these scam compounds to facilitate their repatriation through Thailand, many of whom have recounted experiences of torture.

In addition to bilateral discussions, Thailand and China, along with other regional partners, plan to address transnational crime through the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) framework. A forthcoming MLC meeting, set to be chaired by China, will focus on following up on the actions taken against these crimes.

Maris Sangiampongsa also met with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to address rumors regarding the possible relocation of Chinese-run scam operations to the Cambodia-Thailand border. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Cambodia and the resumption of talks to resolve a long-standing territorial dispute in the Gulf of Thailand.

Thailand and China are intensifying their efforts against transnational crime, particularly call center scams, as evidenced by recent meetings at the ASEAN Future Forum. The collaboration aims to repatriate victims and address new developments, such as potential relocations of scams to Cambodia. The ongoing diplomatic engagements underscore the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring security and stability in Southeast Asia.

Original Source: www.nationthailand.com

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