Thailand Considers Border Wall with Cambodia Amid Scam Network Crackdown
Thailand is considering a border wall with Cambodia to combat illegal crossings and scam networks. The initiative coincides with a crackdown on scam centers, impacting numerous individuals trafficked by criminal gangs. Recent police operations have led to the repatriation of Thai nationals from Cambodian scams, highlighting the urgency of addressing these criminal activities.
Thailand is contemplating the construction of a border wall with Cambodia as part of its efforts to address illegal crossings and curb the activities of multinational scam networks. The proposal arises amidst a wider crackdown on illicit scam centers that have resulted in significant financial fraud originating from Southeast Asia, particularly along the vulnerable borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, which have seen extensive trafficking by criminal organizations in recent years.
Recently, Thai authorities deported 119 Thai nationals from Cambodia after a law enforcement operation at a scam compound in Poipet, where over 215 individuals were rescued. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub noted the plans for the border wall remain under study, emphasizing the need to evaluate potential outcomes and solutions, although specific details regarding its dimensions were not disclosed.
The Thailand-Cambodia border spans 817 kilometers (508 miles), and discussions have encompassed the feasibility of erecting a wall around a 55-kilometer stretch between Sa Kaeo province and Poipet, which is currently only secured by razor wire.
Scam operations have persisted in the region, affecting victims from countries as distant as West Africa, particularly gaining scrutiny following the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was deceived into traveling to Thailand for a purported job but ended up at a scam center in Myanmar.
In a related context, more than 7,000 foreigners, mainly from China, are reportedly stranded in Myawaddy, Myanmar, awaiting their passage into Thailand. Efforts to facilitate their repatriation are underway, yet many individuals rescued from these compounds suffer in deplorable conditions. Some detainees have indicated that the crackdown remains inadequate, with an estimated 300,000 individuals involved solely in Myawaddy’s illicit operations.
The proposed border wall signifies Thailand’s serious commitment to combating illegal crossings and the burgeoning problem of scam networks exploiting regional vulnerabilities. The ongoing multinational crackdown reflects heightened awareness of the human trafficking and financial fraud emanating from these scam centers. Continuous evaluation and response strategies are crucial as the situation evolves, particularly regarding the safety and repatriation of foreign nationals trapped in these environments.
Original Source: stratnewsglobal.com
