Police expose scam gang route at border sugarcane fields

SA KAEO — 25 April 2026, Police and soldiers have identified a sugarcane field near the Thai-Cambodian border as a key route used by call-centre scam gangs to traffic victims across the frontier, officials said.

Officers from Provincial Police Region 2, supported by the Burapha Task Force, led a rescued victim, a director of a boys' love television series, and an associate to point out locations in Phan Suek subdistrict of Aranyaprathet district where they were allegedly taken across the border.

Authorities said the victims had been lured with offers of work and investment training before being smuggled into Cambodia and forced to work as scammers in the border city of Poipet. They were recently released.

The area, largely made up of farmland, allows easy crossing on foot, particularly in the dry season when there are no natural water barriers. Officials said traffickers frequently use such natural routes through Phan Suek and nearby Khlong Nam Sai subdistrict to move Thai nationals out of the country illegally.

Maj. Gen. Thitiwat Suriyachai, deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 2, said Thais continue to be deceived into taking jobs in neighbouring countries, with local guides often used to escort victims across informal crossings.

He said authorities have intelligence on the network involved and will step up patrols and border controls.

Investigators also believe the operation extends beyond a previously identified network leader known as "Mr Moo" and may involve former local officials suspected of facilitating the crossings. The individuals have been suspended pending investigation.

Officials warned the public to be cautious of job offers near border areas, particularly those promising high pay or requiring pre-employment training, as they may be linked to human trafficking or scam operations.