The group said they had fled a scam gang that forced them to work and physically abused them in the neighbouring country. (Photo: supplied/Jakkrit Waewkraihong)The Royal Thai Police Office (RTP) has ordered heightened border security after detecting attempts by transnational scam syndicates to slip into Thailand to evade intensified crackdowns in neighbouring countries. (Photo: Reuters)National police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch has ordered maximum border‑security measures, establishing joint task forces to seal off natural crossings and setting up stringent checkpoints on major and secondary routes nationwide. The RTP is also working closely with international partners to exchange intelligence on scam networks’ movements, Pol Maj Gen Jaturapat said. A US Institute of Peace report estimated that transnational criminal networks running illegal online gambling and scam operations worldwide stole at least US$64 billion in 2023 alone.

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2026 14:56 UTC