Thai officers bring FBI to expose scammer hubs on Cambodia border

2026-02-02 - 12:46

SURIN — Thailand’s military intelligence chief on 2 February led foreign military attachés from 20 countries and US FBI officers to inspect suspected scammer bases along the Thai–Cambodian border, citing extensive evidence of cross-border fraud targeting victims worldwide. Lt. Gen. Theeranan Nanta-khwang, director-general of the Army’s Intelligence Department, said the visit was part of an “open house” mission aimed at briefing the international community on transnational crime in the Chong Chom–Or Smach border area of Surin province. The delegation included representatives from the United States, Malaysia and Vietnam, alongside senior Thai police overseeing cybercrime suppression. The team inspected sites opposite the Chong Chom permanent border crossing, including Or Smach Resort and the Royal Hill complex in the Or Smach area, which authorities say operated as large-scale scam centres. Investigators found mock police stations and banks, victim lists from multiple countries, police-style uniforms and abandoned personal belongings, indicating organised and systematic operations. Lt. Gen. Theeranan said the findings showed the area had functioned as a structured scammer hub affecting victims across many countries. Thai police have secured all evidence, while the military continues to control and facilitate access to the area. He added that intelligence estimates suggest 8,000–10,000 people were involved before many were moved out following border clashes in December 2025. Investigations into links and responsibility remain ongoing.