Thai Military Exposes Scam Operations at Cambodia Border

Thailand’s military intelligence chief recently led a delegation on an inspection of alleged scam hubs near the Thai-Cambodian border. It involved foreign military attaches and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officers. Lt. Gen Teeranan Nandhakwang, Director-General of the Royal Thai Army’s Directorate of Intelligence, said the visit took place at the Chong Chom border crossing, opposite O’Smach in Cambodia.

The “Open House” program aimed to provide international partners with first-hand information on the structured and systematic scam-center operation. Thai authorities believe it has relocated from the Sa Kaeo-Poipet area to the O’Smach-Chong Chom corridor.

Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the deputy national police chief overseeing cybercrime suppression, briefed participants on the progress of operations targeting scam groups in the border region. Civil society representatives, including an adviser to Human Rights Watch, were also invited as observers.

Border Inspections Uncover the Thai Scam Operation

The foreign military attaches and FBI officials were taken to an on-site inspection of the areas around the Chong Chom border crossing in Kap Choeng district. This was to gain first-hand understanding of the scam activities in the neighboring O’Smach region, following the border clashes in December 2025.

Thai authorities identified two main scam bases in O’Smach: the O’Smach Resort and Royal Hill. The latter comprised three six-story buildings used as accommodation and workspaces for scam operators, organized by Vietnamese, Singaporean, and Indian nationals.

Officials also found a separate management building, along with facilities like restaurants and retail outlets.

The Scam Centers’ Inner Workings

Inside the buildings, authorities uncovered extensive evidence allegedly used to defraud victims. It included staged sets resembling government agencies in various countries, like mock police stations and bank offices. Documents listing victims across multiple countries, police-style uniforms, and abandoned personal belongings and electrical appliances were also discovered. The military facilitated access to the site, while police collected the evidence.

Evidence of Transnational Fraud Activities

According to Lt. Gen. Teeranan, the inspections of the interconnected buildings revealed a “structured and systematic scam center operation with detailed work processes.” The purpose was to demonstrate to the international community the wide range and serious implications of the criminal activities.

Previously, Thailand had sought cooperation from the Cambodian authorities on cases involving Thai victims of human trafficking and abuse. However, they were informed that no Thai citizens were found during inspections on the Cambodian side, and no assistance was offered.