Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed full support for Thai police efforts to tackle cross-border scam operations, which could include having officers deployed to other countries including Cambodia.
He said his government is ready to provide the resources and funding necessary to ensure the crackdown’s success. He also brushed aside criticism from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, which accused the administration of acting too slowly.
Speaking at Government House on Tuesday, Mr Anutin said he welcomed the proposal by Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the assistant national police chief, to send Thai police to countries where scam networks are based.
‘That’s good, because cooperation already exists. Today, the national police chief [Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch] is meeting Asean counterparts to discuss scams, human trafficking and the drug trade – issues that have become regional priorities,’ he said.
Asked whether Thai police could be deployed to Cambodia, he replied: ‘They must be. But you’ll have to ask the police chief.’
He emphasised that government policy is clear and that he cannot interfere in operational orders.
‘The government fully supports this effort – including budgets and resource integration. Our job is to enable; the police’s job is to act,’ he added.
Looking South for political links
In a related development, Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat also addressed reports linking seven politicians, including some in government, to online scam networks.
‘Our examination has not found evidence implicating these seven individuals. However, some cases under review have shown wrongdoing,’ he said.
He added that coordination was under way with the Songkhla Provincial Police commander and the Region 9 police chief in southern Thailand to verify related cases.
The minister confirmed that investigations into financial links involving the politician known only as ‘Mr Chor’ are ongoing.
The Department of Special Investigation has already seized more than 35 billion baht in crackdowns on online gambling to date, and Chinese authorities have expressed close interest in cooperation.
‘The Chinese ambassador met both the prime minister and me. We reaffirmed our commitment to suppressing scam networks,’ said Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon.