Scam centre 'war room' picks up pace

List of international partners set to grow

- WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has launched a full-time joint operation with Japan and India, the first of its kind, as part of the efforts to dismantle Cambodia-based call centre syndicates.

The move follows Thailand's announcement in early August of a three-month crackdown plan, in coordination with 10 countries and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Interpol, among others.

The announcement was made under the banner of the RTP’s International Anti-Scam and Human Trafficking Syndicate Command Centre (IAC).

RTP inspector-general and IAC commander Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot told the Bangkok Post that a meeting with Japanese and Indian counterparts was held Aug 22.

The goal is to establish a 24-hour cross-border coordination system, known as a “plugin” model, to streamline investigations, freeze illicit funds and track phone numbers and financial accounts used by scammers.

"If countries can coordinate operations, we can be more proactive and are able to hit at the heart of these syndicates in Cambodia,’ said Pol Gen Thatchai.