BANGKOK – Thailand is tightening cooperation with major partners, including China, the United States, Japan, and nearby countries, to break up multibillion-dollar scam syndicates that have spread across Southeast Asia. Authorities say the pressure is starting to show, with case numbers expected to fall, but they also warn that scams are getting smarter and harder to spot.
Thailand has taken a leading role in the regional fight against scam syndicates, many of which run from guarded compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, and, more recently, Laos. Recent enforcement drives have hit key areas along the Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Cambodia borders. Thai agencies have also worked to disrupt access to electricity, internet services, and supplies linked to well-known centres such as Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko.
A major part of this effort is close work with China, which has pushed neighbouring states to act against networks said to be largely run by Chinese nationals. Joint action involving Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar authorities has resulted in thousands of arrests and the rescue of trafficked people forced to work as scammers.
Meetings under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework have reinforced plans to share intelligence, track money trails, and pursue the extradition of top figures.
The United States has supported Thailand through FBI know-how on cross-border cases, plus sanctions aimed at disrupting criminal finances. US-led measures, including sanctions connected to groups such as the Cambodia-based Prince Group, have helped freeze assets and interfere with money laundering routes. Officials have described Thai-US cooperation as central to breaking these networks, pointing to rescues and the seizure of cryptocurrency linked to fraud.
Japan’s role includes sharing information on mule accounts, scam phone numbers, and cyber methods used by organised groups. Recent talks in Tokyo improved real-time coordination. Thailand is also working with private firms such as Meta to remove scam content and block deceptive adverts daily.
Authorities watch for a move into Laos
Security sources say that as enforcement tightens in Myanmar and Cambodia, some scam groups are looking towards Laos as a safer base in 2026. Thai agencies say there are already scam sites in Laos, and they are preparing for joint action with Lao partners, with coordination involving China.
People close to the Cyber Crime Suppression Centre (CCSC) say plans are being prepared for suppression efforts expected to take shape next year. The goal is to stop networks from splitting up and shifting location, a pattern seen in past crackdowns when groups moved into places with weaker enforcement.
In an interview with the Bangkok Post, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, assistant national police chief and deputy director of the CCSC, said the outlook is mixed. He expects the total number of scam cases to drop, but he warned that criminals are likely to become more effective by using artificial intelligence (AI).
Officials say the dismantling of some border compounds has helped reduce daily case figures by about 10%, from close to 1,000. Gen Jirabhop cautioned that progress could slip without steady pressure and close monitoring.
Deepfakes and hybrid scams are spreading
Scam groups are putting more effort into AI-led fraud, with deepfakes a growing concern. These fake videos and voice clips can mimic familiar people or senior officials. Criminals have used them to pressure victims into sending money, often by pretending to be authorities investigating invented offences or trusted contacts pushing urgent investments.
Hybrid scams are also becoming more common. These combine romance tactics with investment fraud. Scammers build a relationship online, then steer victims towards fake high-return schemes. AI chatbots can make the conversation feel personal and constant.
Gen Jirabhop said deepfakes make targeting more precise because criminals can pretend to be almost anyone. He urged people to follow a simple rule: “Don’t believe, don’t rush, don’t transfer.” He also encouraged the public to verify claims through official channels, end suspicious calls, and speak to someone they trust before acting.
The financial damage remains severe. Losses in Thailand topped 89 billion baht in the first 11 months of 2025, up 45% from the year before. Investment scams account for a large share, alongside call-centre fraud linked to the trafficking of workers.
Human trafficking is closely tied to the scam trade. Victims from more than 50 countries have been forced into fraudulent work. Rescue operations have highlighted harsh conditions inside the compounds, many of which sit in conflict areas where armed groups are reported to provide protection.
Authorities say the syndicates adjust quickly. Some have turned to satellite internet to get around service cut-offs. Others break into smaller teams to reduce risk. Thailand’s open financial system also creates a risk that the country could be used as a pass-through for laundered money.
A broad response from Thailand’s authorities
Thai police have improved their tools, including AI systems that flag suspicious accounts and help track what officers describe as the “financial DNA” of networks. Operations such as “Saifa Fad” have frozen thousands of mule accounts and led to hundreds of arrests.
The government has also tightened rules, including faster bank freezes and stronger duties for platforms. Work with telecom providers has increased blocking of scam texts and calls, while public campaigns aim to help people spot deepfakes and other tricks.
On the regional side, ministerial meetings with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China have backed steps such as asset seizures, victim repatriation, and ongoing coordination.
As 2026 nears, Thailand’s approach centres on prevention and stronger international action. Plans include tougher anti-money laundering steps, closer links with the private sector, and joint work aimed at stopping networks from shifting into Laos.
Gen Jirabhop said success depends on real commitment across borders, because scam groups rely on gaps between jurisdictions. With global losses running into billions each year, Thailand’s role is drawing more attention. At the same time, officials say the public must stay alert as scams become more convincing.
Public tip: Suspicious activity can be reported to the AOC 1441 hotline or police lines. In an AI-driven scam wave, healthy scepticism helps stop losses before they start.
