A national anti-scam commission meeting was convened by Prime Minister Hun Manet on Friday to assess the progress of the series of crackdown on online scam, as Thailand renewed allegations against Cambodia of being a “major hub for scam syndicates”.
Thai authorities cut off the telecommunication networks apparently used by scam centers in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province along the border in February.
The Ad-Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams meeting also comes amid Amnesty International’s report on Thursday stating that the government “deliberately ignored” widespread human rights abuse, including human trafficking, forced labors, slavery — happening in more than 50 scam compounds across the country.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials including Interior Minister Sar Sokha and provincial governors.
When asked for an update, government spokesperson Pen Bona said the reporter will have to wait as information has not been released by the Office of the Council Ministers.
Meanwhile, Bona said he was “not surprised” with Amnesty International’s findings, accusing the organization instead of “ignoring” Cambodia’s efforts to stamp out online scams and “repeating their accusations”.
“This is a transnational, cross-border issue that requires cooperation, not baseless reports and accusations like this. If they know the exact location, they should provide the information. Our authorities are ready to take action,” he said.
Am Sam Ath, operations director of rights group Licadho, agreed with Amnesty’s findings, calling on the government to strengthen prevention measures, particularly the “eradication of corruption” linked to online scam operations. There should also be enhanced cooperation with regional and international partners to combat these issues.
“We acknowledge the efforts to crack down on online scams, however, we have seen increased activities, which could negatively impact investment and tourism,” he said.
He observed that Thailand is facing internal problems, and making allegations against Cambodia, when in fact Thailand should also take responsibility to address online scams within its borders.
Earlier, Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak told CamboJA News that there is “no denial” that the crime exists in Cambodia but Amnesty International overlooked the government’s efforts. He urged the organization to work with them to resolve the issue. “We welcome it. We can cooperate.”
Turning the table on Thailand, Senate President Hun Sen accused the neighboring country of being a hub for online scam operations and criminal syndicates — that the activities are “facilitated” within Thai territory.
The former premier also criticized Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for wanting to cut internet connections to Cambodia and dismantling scam networks allegedly operating here.
“Cambodia is a victim of online scams from Thailand,” said Hun Sen, who holds a five-star general rank. “All the fraudsters and scammers are facilitated by Thai authorities. We urge our Chinese friends, American friends, and others to see the situation clearly.”
In addition, Thailand has direct flight connections to countries outside the region, which neither Myanmar, Laos or Cambodia have, he said, noting that Cambodia is “suffering” the consequences of Thailand’s actions.
“Why do you [Thai PM] blame Cambodia when your own country is full of online scams? Thailand is the hub of these operations,” Hun Sen said. “I urge Khmer media to expose the crimes inside Thailand, broadcast it on every Khmer television station, so that Thais can see for themselves the crimes within their country.”
The escalation of diplomatic tensions since the border clash near the Emerald Triangle on May 28 has led to a suspension of fuel and gas imports from Thailand, including internet service deals, and Thai films. The retaliatory measures were imposed after the Thai military unilaterally shut all land border crossings.
