THAILAND – The Royal Thai Police issued a stark warning that Thais who travel illegally to Cambodia to work for online fraud gangs face severe criminal penalties, including prison terms and substantial fines.
Warning at the border
The police said they had repeatedly intercepted people attempting to cross the border into Cambodia, and that others were being found hiding in houses near the frontier while waiting for an opportunity to slip across. Some were arrested or rescued, the force reported, while others managed to get through.
New methods used by criminals
Investigators said organised fraud networks were increasingly recruiting Thais to sell their bank accounts or to submit to so-called “face scans”. Those biometric and account details were then allegedly used to disguise money flows and to enable fraudulent transactions.
Harsh penalties outlined
Police spokesman Siriwat Deepor warned of the legal consequences. “Those who sell their accounts face up to three years in prison; those who work for the gangs or hand over personal data face up to 15 years and heavy fines,” he said. He added that penalties could include fines ranging from 80,000 to 300,000 baht.
Court rulings send a message
Thai courts have already handed down heavy sentences in cases linked to the networks. On 24 June the Chachoengsao provincial court sentenced a so-called “mule account” owner to 41 years and 258 months, and a recruiter who enlisted account holders received 119 years and 234 months, the police said. The sentences illustrated how seriously the judiciary was treating those involved, the force added.
Border regions in focus
Authorities said the border areas with Cambodia remained a primary focus. Police had stepped up patrols and were working with local communities after residents reported suspicious activity and dubious recruitment offers along known smuggling routes.
International cooperation
The police said cross-border cooperation with Cambodian authorities was intensifying. “We are working closely with our neighbours to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Siriwat said, describing joint operations and information sharing aimed at dismantling the networks.
Victims and prevention efforts
Officials warned that many Thais recruited by the gangs were unaware of the legal risks and were enticed by promises of quick money. The police urged people not to give personal data or account access to strangers, and said prevention and public awareness campaigns were being prioritised to curb further recruitment.
Ongoing investigations
Police said investigations were continuing and that they would pursue anyone proven to be part of an international criminal organisation. The recent prosecutions and stepped-up border controls were intended to deter others from accepting the dangerous, and now clearly criminal, offers.