40 Thai nationals repatriated from Cambodian prison; 6 have arrest warrants, 15 linked to mule account scams
Forty Thai nationals repatriated from Cambodia through Chanthaburi were screened upon return, revealing six with active arrest warrants and 15 linked to call center fraud and mule account scams.
On May 15, Deputy Provincial Police Commander Arkpon Sunthrawipat of Chanthaburi, alongside officers from Pong Nam Ron Police Station, Chanthaburi Immigration Bureau, and other agencies, took custody of 40 Thai nationals who had completed sentences in Cambodia and were transferred back through the permanent Baan Phak Kad border checkpoint in Khlong Yai District, Pong Nam Ron. After collection from the consulate general in Siem Reap, all individuals underwent human trafficking screening (NRM) and detailed criminal background checks. Six of the 40 showed criminal histories and had active arrest warrants for outstanding cases; authorities immediately placed them in custody for relevant investigative agencies. Another 15 individuals were linked to mule account schemes, with records showing involvement in providing and using fake accounts in technology-related crimes. Some had connections across multiple cases, indicating they were key operatives in call center fraud networks. Investigation revealed the group engaged in illegal border crossing and may be connected to networks affecting security during the unstable Thai-Cambodian border situation. The National Security Operations Center has detained these individuals under the Martial Law Act B.E. 2457 for seven days pending deep investigation. Provincial police have coordinated with stations nationwide regarding victims in cases tied to the 15 mule account suspects to gather evidence and pursue charges according to national police guidelines.
