Thailand Bolsters Anti-Scam Efforts with International 'War Room' Against Cambodian Call Center Gangs

International Coalition Targets Transnational Scams

Thailand has launched a significant initiative to combat sophisticated call center gangs, establishing a dedicated 'War Room' that brings together international law enforcement agencies and partner nations. This concerted effort aims to dismantle criminal networks primarily operating from neighboring Cambodia, which have been responsible for widespread fraud and human trafficking. The collaborative operation involves support from eight countries, including the United States (represented by the FBI and Secret Service), China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside international bodies like Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Japan is providing essential funding and equipment to bolster these enhanced operations.

The 'War Room' and Its Strategic Operations

The core of Thailand's intensified anti-scam campaign is the International Anti-Scam and Human Trafficking Syndicate Command Centre (IAC), often referred to as the 'War Room.' This center, which held its first high-level meeting on August 4, 2025, is led by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police. The IAC functions as a hub for intelligence sharing and coordinated action against transnational online fraud and human trafficking syndicates. It integrates personnel from various Thai agencies to ensure rapid response to high-value fraud cases, with a focus on tracing and freezing illicit funds.

Complementing the IAC is Thailand's Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC), established in 2023. The AOC operates a 24/7 hotline (1441) for victims and utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to detect and address cybercrime. Since its inception, the AOC has handled over 1.18 million cases, preventing economic losses exceeding 20 billion baht and reducing online crime damage by 42%. Its objectives include:

• Immediate freezing of criminal accounts to protect victims from further financial losses.
• Ongoing case tracking to ensure victims receive justice.
• Streamlining reimbursement processes for efficient restitution.
• Enhancing law enforcement and expanding investigations into cybercrime networks.

Addressing the Cambodian Nexus and Human Trafficking

Call center gangs frequently use Cambodia as a primary base for their transnational scam operations. These syndicates not only target Thai citizens but also ensnare foreigners, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nigerian nationals, who are often trafficked to work in these scam centers against their will. According to the UNODC, revenue from these illegal operations accounts for more than 60% of Cambodia's total national income. A meeting on September 23, 2025, in Chanthaburi Province, highlighted the increasing trend of individuals moving from Poipet to Chanthaburi, likely associated with these gangs.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite significant progress, the fight against these adaptive criminal organizations remains challenging. While international cooperation is strong with many partners, Cambodia has been excluded from some collaborative efforts due to concerns over non-cooperation and potential data leaks. The Thai government, through its 'War Room' and AOC, continues to emphasize a systematic approach, including cutting off essential public utilities like phone signals to disrupt gang operations. This multi-faceted strategy underscores Thailand's commitment to protecting its citizens and contributing to regional security against the evolving threat of online fraud and human trafficking.