Thailand will explain how it intends to take a leading role in combatting transnational scam networks during the 47th Asean Summit, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.
Speaking ahead of the summit’s ministerial meetings yesterday, he highlighted the growing global impact of scam operations that have targeted victims in South Korea, the United States, and beyond.
“Several foreign nationals recently fled to Thailand, demonstrating the severity of the problem. Asean must treat this not just as a regional but as an international priority,” he said.
Thailand has established a national centre to combat these criminal networks, which will serve as a hub for information sharing and cooperation with other nations.
At the summit, Asean leaders will meet with counterparts from the United States, China, Japan, India, and Australia to strengthen joint efforts against cross-border crime, including online scams and fraud, he said.
Thailand aims to act as a central coordinator, ensuring collaboration between regional and external partners remains effective and sustainable. The outcomes are expected to be reflected in the leaders’ joint statement, with Thailand reaffirming its commitment to leading initiatives against scammers, protecting regional security, and promoting multilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul highlighted preparations for the Asean Summit, scheduled from tomorrow until Tuesday, which will also be attended by US President Donald Trump. He said Thailand and Cambodia will sign a formal bilateral declaration at the summit.