BANGKOK, Thailand – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), tasked with implementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), supports its 193 member states in combating serious issues such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling. This support includes providing consultations, capacity building, and fostering international cooperation to effectively address these crimes while upholding human rights.
Since 2020, Southeast Asia has experienced a sharp rise in human trafficking cases linked to forced criminal activities, particularly online scams and financial fraud. Victims have been deceived into working in call centers in countries such as Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, often located in special economic zones near casinos or high-security buildings. These operations have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the region but also victims in Africa, Central Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
In response to the growing severity of these issues, UNODC has established a Specialized Cyber Scam and Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality Taskforce. Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General of Thailand and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce and Anti-Human Trafficking Center, has been appointed to lead the taskforce. The first meeting of the taskforce was held on January 27, 2025, to define its operational direction.
Dr. Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, expressed confidence in Pol. Gen. Thatchai’s expertise and leadership, which will be crucial in guiding the taskforce toward effective, sustainable solutions. He also highlighted that the creation of this taskforce underscores Thailand’s commitment to addressing these issues with urgency.
Dr. Rebecca Miller, UNODC Regional Coordinator for Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, emphasized UNODC’s readiness to support the taskforce and the Royal Thai Police in all related areas. This includes developing international cooperation mechanisms, training officials to adapt to evolving crime patterns, and raising public awareness about call center crimes and human trafficking.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai, honored to lead the global initiative, expressed his commitment to guiding the taskforce toward a safer world and region, focusing on three key objectives:
- Assisting victims of human trafficking
- Protecting victims of human trafficking
- Investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of call center crimes and human trafficking
The taskforce will draw on resources and expertise from various Thai governmental agencies to address the root causes of these crimes. It will also utilize UNODC’s global law enforcement networks to share information, conduct cross-border operations, and dismantle criminal networks. Advanced technologies will play a key role in enhancing investigations, while knowledge networks will be developed to strengthen officials’ capacity to combat these crimes.
The ultimate goal is to eradicate call center crimes and human trafficking networks by the end of the year, ensuring both global and national safety. This initiative is expected to boost investor and tourist confidence, improve Thailand’s economy, and positively impact the country’s ranking in the 2025 TIP Report. (NNT)
source :https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/unodc-and-thai-senior-inspector-lead-the-taskforce-to-combat-call-center-crimes-and-human-trafficking-488839
