Time for Asean to tackle scam gangs head-on

The death of a South Korean student, reportedly lured to Cambodia by a scam gang, should be a wake-up call for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to push for more collaboration in tackling such vicious crimes.

- Anucha Charoenpo

Leaders from 10 Asean member countries are going to meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the 47th Asean Summit from Oct 26-28. Since Southeast Asia is regarded as a hotspot for scammers, Malaysia - as the host - should place the issue on the agenda.

Victims across the region and beyond have been suffering from financial losses, psychological trauma, and in many cases, physical harm. The recent death of the 22-year-old South Korean surnamed Park, at the hands of a Cambodian-based gang, underscores the urgency of coordinated action.

Year after year, the Asean Summit has focused on recurring issues such as the political and democratic crisis in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, various human rights issues and Asean connectivity.

Some of these issues may be resolved, while others remain unaddressed due to Asean's noninterference policy in the internal affairs of member states.

However, it's high time that Asean member states this year adopted a more flexible approach to the noninterference policy and come together to tackle the scam crisis collectively. As citizens across Asean and around the world are being affected by this issue, it requires a united response.