Thailand Teams Up with Interpol to Combat Call Center Gangs in Cambodia

Thailand has taken a major step forward in fighting organized crime by partnering with international police forces to tackle call center scams and human trafficking operations based in neighboring Cambodia.

High-Level Meeting at Interpol Headquarters

On July 2, 2025, Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, who heads Thailand's Anti-Information Technology Crime Center and serves as director of the special task force against technology crimes and human trafficking, made a crucial trip to Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France.

During this important visit, General Thatchai met with key Interpol officials, including Cyril Gout, Executive Director of Police Services, and Abdulaziz Obaidalla, Director of External Relations and Regional Support. The meeting focused on sharing critical information about call center gangs and human trafficking networks that have established strong bases in neighboring countries, particularly Cambodia.

The scale of this criminal enterprise is staggering. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), revenue from these illegal operations accounts for more than 60% of Cambodia's total national income. These criminal networks have caused massive damage to Thailand's economy and society, as well as affecting people across the globe through sophisticated scam operations.

Interpol Agrees to Establish "War Room" in Thailand

The discussions yielded impressive results. Interpol has committed to full cooperation with Thai authorities and will provide comprehensive support including advanced tools, detailed intelligence analysis, and strategic operational planning to launch a major crackdown on these criminal networks.

Most significantly, Interpol has agreed to station expert officers at Thailand's newly established "Call Center Gang and Human Trafficking Incident Management Center," commonly known as the "War Room." This facility represents the Thai government's commitment to leading international efforts against call center gangs and human trafficking operations based in neighboring countries.

The War Room aligns with Thailand's policy to position itself as a regional leader in bringing together international organizations and various countries to combat these transnational crimes.

Understanding Interpol's Role

General Thatchai explained that Interpol, founded in 1923, now includes 196 member countries worldwide, including both Thailand and Cambodia, as well as many other nations affected by call center scams and human trafficking operations.

Interpol serves as the central coordination hub for international police cooperation, supporting law enforcement in member countries by facilitating the exchange of criminal information and intelligence. This international framework will provide crucial support to Cambodian police officers, with Thailand taking the lead in driving operations to decisively eliminate call center and human trafficking networks.

The involvement of Interpol means that law enforcement efforts will have international backing and resources, making it much harder for criminal organizations to operate across borders or escape justice by moving between countries.

Ambitious Goals: 50% Crime Reduction in 3 Months

General Thatchai expressed confidence that the War Room, scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025, will serve as a vital strategic mechanism for information sharing and situation monitoring related to call center gangs and human trafficking operations worldwide, particularly those based in Cambodia.

This centralized approach will enable rapid tracking and arrest of criminals, as well as quick seizure of funds obtained through fraud. The system is designed to adapt quickly to the constantly evolving methods used by these criminal organizations.

The Thai government has set clear and ambitious targets for this initiative. Within three months of the War Room's establishment, call center gang crimes and human trafficking incidents in Thailand must be reduced by more than 50%.

Equally important is the goal of completely preventing criminal groups from using Thailand as a transit route to neighboring countries. This represents a comprehensive approach to not just protecting Thai citizens, but also preventing Thailand from becoming a gateway for international criminal operations.

The Broader Impact

This partnership between Thailand and Interpol represents a significant escalation in the fight against organized crime in Southeast Asia. Call center scams have become increasingly sophisticated, often targeting vulnerable people worldwide with fake investment schemes, romance scams, and other fraudulent activities.

The human trafficking aspect of these operations is particularly concerning, as many victims are forced to work in these scam centers against their will. By establishing this international cooperation framework, authorities hope to not only stop the financial crimes but also rescue trafficking victims and prosecute those responsible for these serious human rights violations.

The establishment of the War Room in Thailand signals a new era of international cooperation in fighting transnational organized crime. With Interpol's global reach and Thailand's strategic position in Southeast Asia, this partnership has the potential to significantly disrupt criminal networks that have operated with relative impunity across borders.

The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges with organized crime groups that exploit international boundaries and differences in legal systems. As these criminal operations become more sophisticated and international in scope, the response from law enforcement must be equally coordinated and comprehensive.

This development represents hope for millions of potential victims worldwide who might otherwise fall prey to these elaborate criminal schemes, while also demonstrating that international cooperation can be an effective tool in the fight against organized crime.