Cambodia Deports 79 Thai Scammers; 5 Linked to 20 Cases
Cambodia deported 79 Thai nationals linked to scam networks, with five facing investigation for involvement in 20 criminal cases combined. Authorities screened all returnees at the Thai-Cambodian border on July 10 and are pursuing those wor
Thai security agencies coordinated efforts to receive 79 Thai nationals returned by Cambodia at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge at the permanent Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, on July 10, 2026. The repatriation followed Cambodia's crackdown on scammer networks and completion of legal proceedings. Initial screening identified five returnees with involvement in a combined 20 criminal cases, who were separated for intensive investigation. All remaining individuals underwent identity verification, document checks, and data recording before transfer to the Central Investigation Police for detailed background screening and assessment of possible links to criminal activity or transnational crime networks. The Sa Kaeo Employment Office examined documents from all returnees regarding their work in Cambodia. Those unable to produce evidence of proper legal authorization to work abroad face prosecution under the Employment and Worker Protection Act, with penalties of 5,000 baht per person. Officials stated this repatriation operation is part of heightened border area security measures to prevent illegal labor migration, combat human trafficking, and monitor transnational criminal networks exploiting border areas.
