BANGKOK – In a significant move to combat transnational cyber crime, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to form a joint task force dedicated to dismantling scam networks operating across their borders. The announcement was made by Thai Defence Minister Nattaphon Nakpanich following the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee meeting held in Kuala Lumpur.

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Minister Nattaphon revealed that the new task force will be established within two weeks and will focus on targeting the ringleaders and key figures behind major cyber scam operations. The bilateral initiative will involve sharing intelligence, evidence, and witness testimonies to facilitate more effective crackdowns. Both nations have also agreed to implement witness protection measures to support faster and more thorough investigations.

The defence minister emphasized the severe impact of these criminal syndicates, noting that cyber scams have caused widespread suffering and economic losses not only in Thailand and Cambodia but across ASEAN and beyond. He described the cooperation as a crucial step in confronting a shared security threat. The minister also indicated that law enforcement agencies from other countries whose citizens have been victimized by these schemes may be invited to participate in future operations.

The Cambodians are trying so hard to make Thailand a negative reputation with Cambodia, even though there is no evidence to prove it, and the evidence that the Cambodians do not accept it too, because ultimately the major scammers in the SEA are Cambodia, Myanmar not Thailand.… pic.twitter.com/b6EkdrQmAj

— ชาเย็นไม่หวาน ◡̈ 🌤🌈 (@NunaxMx) October 20, 2025

The border committee meeting also addressed several other key issues, including the withdrawal of heavy weapons from border areas. Both sides have signed the terms of reference for an International Observer Team to monitor this process. A joint action plan has been developed under the supervision of Thailand’s Second Army Region and Cambodia’s Region 4 Command, with further discussions scheduled for October 25th. Minister Nattaphon stressed that the primary goal of the weapon withdrawal is to ensure the safety of border residents, noting that certain weapons like BM-21 rocket launchers have destructive ranges that could endanger civilians, schools, and hospitals.

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On the matter of demining operations, the two countries have finalized standard operating procedures for both agreed and disputed zones. Coordination teams will begin joint operations immediately, marking the first time Cambodia has agreed to work with Thailand on detailed demining efforts. Regarding border management in Sa Kaeo province, both nations have agreed to conduct a joint survey of the boundary line between markers 42 and 47 in Khok Sung district, installing temporary markers in the process. The minister clarified that this physical survey and agreement on temporary boundary markers will not affect Thailand’s legal territorial rights. Thailand will also begin constructing new border fences in clearly demarcated zones, strictly within its sovereign territory, to enhance border security and prevent cross-border threats.

-Thailand News (TN)