Title: Thailand Mulls Border Wall Construction to Combat Illicit Activities
BANGKOK – Thailand is currently weighing the possibility of erecting a barrier along a portion of its shared boundary line with Cambodia. The proposed structure aims to counter illicit activities, especially by criminal gangs known for their involvement in online fraud and drug trafficking, as per a recent announcement by a government representative.
Both Thailand and Cambodia have had historical disagreements over their terrestrial and maritime borders, which stretch 817 kilometers (507 miles) and encompass potentially lucrative offshore gas reserves. Cambodia has yet to issue a formal response regarding Thailand’s proposal.
“The Prime Minister has instructed the Cabinet and other relevant bodies to thoroughly examine the feasibility of a barrier between Thailand and Cambodia. The objective is to stem illegal border crossings, particularly by fraudulent call center gangs, and curtail drug and contraband smuggling,” stated Jirayu Huangsab, a spokesperson for the Thai government.
In response to China’s urging, Thailand has intensified its crackdown on fraudulent call centers operating across its eastern border with Myanmar. These centers have reportedly been involved in widespread financial scams globally and implicated in human trafficking to staff their operations.
Cambodia also hosts call center operations, notably in its border town of Poipet in the west and the coastal town of Sihanoukville in the south. Jirayu mentioned the possibility of constructing the proposed wall opposite Poipet.
“The idea of building a wall emerged following reports of scam artists from Myanmar relocating to Poipet. Thailand intends to engage in discussions with Cambodian authorities regarding this proposal,” said the Prime Minister.
He added, “The foreign and defense ministries are to collaborate with other relevant bodies and engage Cambodia in discussions on the possibility of constructing a wall. The key issues to consider are the feasibility of the project, its potential effectiveness, and the potential outcomes.”
China’s insistence on its Southeast Asian neighbors addressing the problem of fraudulent call centers has influenced Cambodia’s actions as well. Over the weekend, Cambodia deported 119 Thai nationals following a crackdown in Poi Pet.
Cambodia’s influential former Prime Minister, Hun Sen, expressed discontent about Cambodia not receiving due recognition for its efforts against fraudulent call center operations. In a Facebook post, he lamented the perceived failure of Cambodia in the eyes of some journalists and politicians, despite Thailand’s successes. He emphasized the need for international cooperation to effectively combat this ongoing issue.
In closing, the story of cross-border crime is far from over, and it requires effective intergovernmental cooperation to address these issues successfully.
(Edited by Mike Firn)
