Thai Officers Bring FBI to Expose Scammer Hubs on Cambodia Border

SURIN — Thailand's military intelligence chief on February 2nd led foreign military attachés from 20 countries and US FBI officers to inspect suspected scammer bases along the Thai-Cambodian border, revealing extensive evidence of cross-border fraud targeting global victims. Lt. Gen. Theeranan Nanta-khwang, director-general of the Army's Intelligence Department, explained the visit was an 'open house' mission to brief the international community about transnational crime in the Chong Chom-Or Smach border area of Surin province. The delegation included representatives from the United States, Malaysia, and Vietnam, along with senior Thai cybercrime police. The team examined sites near the Chong Chom border crossing, including Or Smach Resort and Royal Hill complex, which authorities identified as large-scale scam centers. Investigators discovered mock police stations, banks, victim lists from multiple countries, police-style uniforms, and abandoned personal items, indicating systematic criminal operations. Lt. Gen. Theeranan noted the findings demonstrated a structured scammer hub affecting victims worldwide. Thai police have secured all evidence, while the military continues to manage and control access to the area. Intelligence estimates suggest 8,000-10,000 people were involved in these operations before many were relocated following border clashes in December 2025. Investigations into connections and accountability are still ongoing.