Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that cracking down on online scam operations along the Thai-Cambodian border is one of Thailand’s key conditions in its ongoing dialogue with Phnom Penh.
The affirmation comes amid mounting international pressure – including a recent warning from South Korea that it could take military action against cross-border scammers.
As well, the United States has made a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia a condition of ongoing trade negotiations, according to reports from Washington.
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to visit the Asean summit on Oct 26 and he is determined to preside over a signing ceremony between the two uneasy neighbours. Mr Anutin said Thailand had made it clear to Cambodia that decisive action against scam syndicates is essential for restoring mutual trust.
‘The suppression of scammers is one of the conditions Thailand has put forward,’ he said on Tuesday, adding that the issue is now central to bilateral negotiations.
The prime minister noted that several countries, including South Korea and China, have pressed Cambodia to dismantle scam compounds operating inside its territory, which have reportedly made victims of thousands of foreign nationals.
When asked about Seoul’s threat to deploy its military to combat scammers in the region, Mr Anutin said Thailand would continue to assert its sovereignty.
‘We have our own jurisdiction. If the four key points that the foreign minister will raise in the upcoming meeting are resolved, the threats to our national security will be greatly reduced,’ he said.
Army has ‘full authority’
Mr Anutin also reiterated his view that the First Army Region was empowered under martial law to dismantle illegal Cambodian structures that encroach upon Thai soil in contested villages in Sa Kaeo province.
‘The army has full authority to act within the area of concern,’ he said, adding that the government fully supported military decisions taken to safeguard Thai territory.
He was responding to Cambodian criticism that Thailand’s recent use of ‘ghostly sounds’ – loud noise broadcasts along the border – violated human rights. The broadcasts have been staged and bankrolled by the flamboyant online crusader Guntouch ‘Gun Jompalang’ Pongpaiboonwet, with the army’s blessing.
Mr Anutin countered that cross-border rocket fire and drone incursions from Cambodia also constituted serious violations. ‘These are acts that endanger Thai citizens and infringe upon our sovereignty,’ he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, meanwhile, is preparing to hold a second round of talks with his Cambodian counterpart in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
He said Thailand would stick to four key principles in the negotiations, including commitments to border demarcation, demilitarisation, anti-crime cooperation and demining.
Mr Sihasak added that Bangkok was focused on maintaining calm along the frontier and promoting bilateral dialogue. ‘Anything that helps create a positive atmosphere for talks is what we should aim for,’ he said.
He said Thailand recently met with Malaysia, the US and Cambodia and emphasised the importance of adhering to the ceasefire pact and addressing cross-border criminal activities through mutual cooperation.