BANGKOK – Following a joint crackdown by South Korean and Cambodian police, criminal scam operations are allegedly shifting their bases from Cambodia to Thailand, according to an investigation by South Korea’s Sisa Journal. The report indicates that increased law enforcement pressure in Cambodia has prompted these organizations to seek safer operational grounds in neighboring Thailand.

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A journalist from the publication made contact with a middle manager of a Thai-based scam center, identified only as Mr. A, between October 17 and 21. Mr. A confirmed that scam operations linked to human trafficking continue unabated despite international efforts to dismantle them. He revealed that some gang members in Cambodia had mocked the recent crackdown, even as evidence emerged of their relocation into Thailand.

Mr. A, who oversees a hub employing twelve South Korean workers, explained that bosses have warned individuals who previously worked in Cambodia, Myanmar, or Laos against joining the Thai-based groups due to potential investigations. Korean youths with travel history to those countries are considered likely targets for scrutiny. To avoid suspicion, workers are instructed to book their own flights, as tickets purchased by Mr. A, a Chinese national, would display Chinese PIN codes and potentially alert immigration authorities.

The scam centers specifically target young adults in their twenties and thirties, who are perceived to possess the verbal and social skills necessary for call center fraud, while those in their forties are considered less effective. Recruits typically commit to a minimum of three months’ employment and receive weekly payments ranging from 10 to 15 million won (approximately 229,000–344,000 baht) based on performance.

According to Mr. A, the fraudulent call center operations function through three distinct stages. The initial phase, termed “Nogada” or repetitive labor, involves relentless cold-calling to identify potential victims. The second stage requires persuasive communication skills, while the third and most advanced level demands sophisticated knowledge of financial systems, achieved only by the most skilled operators.

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Strict internal regulations govern these centers, including prohibitions on alcohol during weekdays and drugs at all times to avoid attracting police attention. Workers are forbidden from sharing personal details with colleagues to protect their identities and safety. Applicants must provide three documents during recruitment: health insurance records, a criminal background check, and a passport photograph. Mr. A noted that maintaining access to workers’ criminal histories allows scam bosses to exert control, as any theft or misconduct can be conveniently attributed to those with prior offenses.

-Thailand News (TN)