The director of the Joint Press Center on the Thai-Cambodian situation takes media to raid the scammer's den in O'r Semet.

Today (6 April) at 2:50 PM at a scammer's den in the O'r Semet-Chong Chom area on the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin Province, Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Director of the Joint Press Center on the Thai-Cambodian Situation, gave an interview after taking Thai and foreign media to the area to follow up on the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border and the issue of the transnational online crime scam center in O'r Semet-Chong Chom, Dan Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. He stated that the center had taken media to the scammer's base in O'r Semet for the third time to see the actual location. This time, they were taken to see the prison cells, which are in place to prevent people from escaping the area. Rules for punishment have been established. Furthermore, the area also includes a hospital, making it an overall entertainment complex—a very large city—and it has a boss controlling the area.

Air Chief Marshal Praphas added that, however, before the fighting, the army was unaware that the area was a scammer hideout. They only knew it was a casino, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the lack of patrons, it was adapted into a scammer operation. The rooms used by the scammers have communication systems and manuals for teaching them how to deceive, as well as instructors. This constitutes a global threat. No single country can solve this problem; it requires collective effort. All of this is real evidence that poses a danger to innocent people.

Air Chief Marshal Praphas continued that Thailand has strong control over the entire area. For example, the Cambodian observer team (AOT) was unable to enter the area. Similarly, when Cambodian soldiers celebrated and became intoxicated, firing provocative shots, the Thai side fired warning shots, which was in accordance with the rules of engagement.

Air Chief Marshal Praphas concluded that further investigation into the scammers is underway. This matter has been coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to disseminate information to various organizations, including Amnesty International. If they wish to see the actual area, the Thai side is ready to facilitate their visit and provide evidence. Thailand has deployed personnel to control the area for over three months. We will have to wait and see what the government decides in the future. In the event of any incidents, Thailand has coordinated with the Cambodian side to discuss the events, build trust, and reduce conflict.

Air Chief Marshal Praphas added that the assessment by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), who traveled to the area, is normal, as they did not enter Thai territory. There may have been some misinterpretation or misunderstanding. He affirmed that Thailand acted in accordance with the joint statement. He reiterated that in the past, the area was used by Cambodia as a base for drone launches, sniper fire, and heavy weaponry against Thai forces. Therefore, it was necessary for Thailand to defend itself to protect the lives of its personnel and civilians in the area. This is why Thailand has maintained control of the area to allow the Cambodian unit to continue its security strategies.

When asked about the case involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet... Regarding whether traveling to meet with the French leader would be considered involving the international community, Air Chief Marshal Praphas said he was monitoring the situation. He reiterated that Thailand has acted within the framework of international law and wants to meet and discuss with both sides. However, he noted that immediately engaging in dialogue after a violent clash is difficult, and therefore, the situation must be allowed to de-escalate to an appropriate point. He added that it's not difficult to predict Cambodia's actions before any serious discussions can take place. Currently, both sides are in a period of information dissemination to create legitimacy and a favorable environment for themselves, entering the diplomatic arena and fighting on the international stage. He emphasized that Thailand will absolutely not engage in talks that would harm national interests, as these discussions on various platforms have no effect on international law; they are merely expressions of opinion and publicity, possibly involving lobbyists.

Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, added that regarding Mr. Hun Manet's trip to France to attend the WHO Public Health Conference, it is Cambodia's right to potentially hold bilateral discussions with France. However, Thailand also has the right to hold discussions with leaders of various nations.

When asked about Cambodia's submission of the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Ms. Maratee stated that there is currently no stance on the matter, but it is considered an attempt by Cambodia, which Thailand has been monitoring and responding to.

Regarding future discussions with Cambodia within the framework of the Joint Border Commission (JBC), Ms. Maratee said that they must adhere to the stated agreement, which clearly indicates that both sides agree that the border demarcation must first be free from landmines. Currently, there is no positive development sufficient for further discussions. However, following the formation of a new government, Thailand has begun the process. In preparation for the JBC meeting,

Police Major General Siriwat Deepo, Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau 1 and Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, stated that the evidence seen today clearly shows that Cambodia is a base for defrauding people worldwide. The operation involves companies hiring and training employees to commit fraud, simulating police stations and interrogation rooms in countries such as Australia, Brazil, European countries, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Regarding the observation that despite the seizure of this area, the number of scammers in Thailand has not decreased, he clarified that the area in question is not primarily used to defraud Thai citizens but mostly foreigners. The main base of operations for defrauding Thai people is largely in Poipet, and it is believed that the operation in Poipet is similar, a complete system, thus ensuring the continued presence of scammers.

Police Major General Siriwat further explained that scammers are divided into two groups: those who create fabricated stories using various technologies, primarily operating in Cambodia; and those operating in Thailand using blacklist accounts, withdrawals, cash exchanges, and gold purchases. The Royal Thai Police consider this a national agenda and will pursue all aspects of the crackdown, arresting all involved parties in every country connected to the money laundering process. Regarding the Chinese bosses and their connections in neighboring countries, Thailand cannot suppress them alone. Therefore, the issue has been brought to multilateral forums, but there has been a lack of genuine cooperation in addressing this problem.

Meanwhile, Colonel Richa Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, stated that the army has deployed troops throughout the border areas, even with troop rotations to allow for rehabilitation, both mentally and in terms of equipment, ensuring readiness for any situation. He clearly observed that Thai soldiers are providing good security in the area. In addition to the use of various weapons and equipment, such as barbed wire and CCTV cameras to enhance security, the army is fully committed to these measures, adhering to international standards. The troop deployment is based on international agreements accepted by Cambodia, and there is nothing to worry about. Regarding the right to self-defense, Thailand is prepared to exercise this right should there be any provocation or new military deployments from Cambodia. Currently, such incidents have occurred, and there is no cause for concern. However, the army is ready to respond if such a situation arises.

Photo : Khanisorn Lorthongdaeng