Police Expose 'Sugarcane Field' as Secret Route Used by Call Center Gang to Smuggle Thai BL Series Director Across Border to Forced Labor in Poipet

On April 25, 2025, Region 2 police and soldiers from the Burapha Task Force raided Phasaeng subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district, Sakaeo province, where a BL series director and associate identified a sugarcane field as one of the natural routes call center gangs use to illegally smuggle victims across the Thai-Cambodian border. The victims had been lured with promises of investment training seminars before being trafficked to Poipet, Cambodia, where they were forced to work as scammers. They have since been released.

Investigators found the area ideal for border crossing, particularly during the dry season when water obstacles are minimal. This makes the farmland routes through Phasaeng and Khlong Nam Sai subdistricts a primary smuggling corridor for human trafficking.

Deputy Commander Thitiwat Suriyachai of Region 2 police revealed that Thai nationals continue to be deceived into working in neighboring countries. Call center gangs typically use local Thai guides to lead victims across the border through natural routes. Authorities have identified the criminal network and plan to increase patrols and interception efforts along the border.

Investigations have also uncovered connections between the trafficking network and former local government officials who may have been complicit or involved in smuggling people for call center work in Cambodia. These officials have been suspended from duty and are under investigation.

Authorities have warned the public to be cautious of job solicitations in border areas, especially those promising high wages or offering training programs, as they may be fronts for human trafficking or call center scams.