Following government policy to tackle crimes, including online scams and cross-border offenses, the Immigration Bureau has been working hard to apprehend foreigners conducting illegal business in Thailand. They are also targeting locals and foreigners involved in activities that threaten public safety and tarnish the country’s image.
Authorities in China have been coordinating with Myanmar and Laos to suppress call center scams and online fraud originating in regions like Kokang and the Golden Triangle in Laos. As a result, Chinese scam operations have shifted and used Thailand as a transit point to cross into other countries.
From October 1st, 2023, to September 30th, 2024, the crackdown resulted in 78 cases, 89 arrests, and the seizure of 69 vehicles. They have caught 287 illegal Chinese migrants and identified 20 additional individuals involved in these crimes through further investigation.
The investigation highlighted that these crimes operate like a cross-border criminal organization, leading to charges of participating in such an organization against some of the arrested. This involves asset seizures under anti-money laundering laws, uncovering transactions exceeding 600 million baht in various bank accounts.
The operation focuses on five major networks with established structures, clearly assigning areas and roles across Thailand. The crackdown from September 21st to 30th, 2023, successfully arrested all major figures sought in this round, including:
1. Veerapol Network – operating along the Chiang Saen border, organizing transport and border crossing for illegal immigrants.
2. Kan Network – facilitating crossings near Phop Phra and Mae Sot while also gathering firearms.
3. Vongsakorn Network- coordinating crossings between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar and linked to several international brokers.
4. Toggihong Network – connecting Thailand to Malaysia’s border and liaising with Cambodian contacts.
5. T. Network – managing cross-border movements in the Ubon Ratchathani and Sa Kaeo regions.
This operation has significantly disrupted illegal entry networks, especially those moving Chinese nationals tied to call center scams. The Immigration Bureau continues its efforts to combat these crimes, ensuring Thailand is not used as a base for illegal activities, reported Siam Rath.
Picture courtesy: Siam Rath
