Bangkok: The Thai government's measures have significantly impacted criminal networks operating call-center scams, with a notable decline in cybercrime cases following the intensified crackdown since early February, officials said on Monday.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said that after implementing measures including the suspension of electricity, fuel supplies, and internet connections along the border areas, where scam compounds are concentrated, the number of cybercrime cases in Thailand has so far decreased by 20 percent to 25,487 recorded since Feb. 5.
Cases of call-center fraud, which are among the most accessible scams for criminals, have seen a substantial 67 percent drop, Prasert told a news conference.
Before the intense crackdown, there were cybercrime reports of over 1,000 cases per day, he added.
According to data from the Southeast Asian country's Anti Online-Scam Operation Center, financial losses due to cyber scams decreased by 200 million baht (about 5.95 million U.S. dollars) in the past month alone.
A year-over-year comparison between January and February and the same period last year indicated a 30 percent reduction in overall financial damages, specifically in remote access scams, loan fraud, and investment fraud, the data showed.
Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, senior inspector general of the Thai police, said authorities are working closely with Cambodian and Myanmar counterparts to combat criminal networks that exploit border regions as their operational bases, highlighting international cooperation in dismantling cross-border scam call-center operations.
Thatchai said that, to date, Thai authorities have arrested 5,251 suspects linked to call-center scams. Of these, 3,533 have been deported, while 1,718 remain under investigation.
