Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has criticised Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s handling of the online scam crisis, describing the government’s action as “too light and too slow.”
Mr Natthaphong, also leader of the People’s Party (PP), urged the premier to take the initiative and form international partnerships to combat the transnational criminal networks behind scam operations.
“The prime minister can still take a lead on the world stage by proposing Thailand serve as a coordinating hub for data exchange and anti-scam operations,” said Mr Natthaphong.
He should set up a central agency to liaise with affected countries, Interpol, and international police networks, as well as supporting victims of human trafficking linked to scam networks.
Mr Natthaphong also questioned the government’s sincerity in tackling the issue, saying the current approach lacked intensity and urgency.
“The prime minister needs to demonstrate clear political will and take decisive action,” Mr Natthaphong said. Transparency was crucial for public confidence, especially amid allegations that a deputy prime minister may be linked to illicit financial networks associated with scams.
“The prime minister doesn’t have to wait for anyone to resign. He has the authority to act now,” he said.
Turning to political reform, Mr Natthaphong urged Mr Anutin to honour the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with the PP, which commits the coalition to push for a new, more democratic charter and eventually dissolve parliament to make way for general elections.
“If the charter-drafting process collapses, there will be no reason for us to hold back.
“We will move forward with a no-confidence motion under Section 151 [of the 2017 constitution],” he said.
Meanwhile, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob chaired a high-level meeting on the government’s anti-scam strategy, joined by police and regulatory bodies. Assistant national police chief Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej said authorities were intensifying efforts to suppress scam networks, aiming to reduce the more than 1,000 new cases reported daily.
Thai authorities are focused on the operations, unlike neighbouring countries that failed to act after Thailand tried to coordinate with them and instead allowed scam centres to flourish.
Unlike some neighbouring countries, he added, Thailand was conducting continuous raids and arrests.