NationThailand-Oct 30
Thai authorities are planning to review and tighten border controls in response to persistent threats from transnational scam networks and human trafficking. The review is prompted by evidence that criminal networks, despite crackdowns, are adapting by relocating their operations from border areas further inland into neighboring countries like Cambodia and Myanmar. Proposed measures include stricter controls on goods that could support illegal activities (like SIM cards), increasing checkpoints, and enhancing screening to prevent people smuggling. Officials acknowledge that border interceptions alone are insufficient and that international cooperation is necessary, as simply destroying border bases only displaces the criminal operations elsewhere. Gen Ukris Boontanondha, Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Border Security Integration Centre, is preparing to meet relevant agencies on October 30 to review progress in tackling narcotics and transnational crime. Particular attention will focus on scam networks and human trafficking, which have become major threats along Thailand’s borders despite large-scale crackdowns involving the destruction of operating bases and the repatriation of foreign nationals. Developments on the ground, however, show that the problem persists. The networks have adapted their operations, moving people and equipment as they flee border areas for the interior of neighboring countries. This is consistent with a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), entitled “Borderless Global Threats: Criminal Hubs and Regional Security in Southeast Asia”, commissioned by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC). The report highlights criminal hubs across the region, particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, all of which border Thailand. The networks are involved in online fraud, cybercrime, human trafficking, counterfeit production and money laundering.
Lax border controls, together with international trade and travel links, are key factors allowing illegal groups to move and repeatedly relocate their operations. Read more at:
