Thailand is evaluating the feasibility of constructing a wall along sections of its border with Cambodia as part of an effort to curb illegal crossings linked to transnational scam operations, a government spokesperson confirmed on Monday.
The proposed wall would be a component of an international initiative aimed at dismantling large-scale fraud networks, many of which operate from Cambodia and Myanmar and target victims worldwide, including a significant number of Thai citizens. The move follows an intensified crackdown on these criminal organisations, often run by Chinese syndicates, which have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people under the guise of legitimate employment.
Over the weekend, Thai authorities received 119 Thai nationals from Cambodia after a police raid in the border town of Poipet freed more than 200 individuals held at a scam centre. The operation underscored the persistent issue of human trafficking and forced labour linked to these fraudulent enterprises.
Jirayu Houngsub, a spokesperson for the Thai government, stated that the idea of a border wall was among the topics discussed during a cabinet meeting on Monday. The Foreign and Defence ministries have been tasked with initiating discussions with Cambodian authorities to assess the wall’s potential impact.
“If it is done, how would it be done? What results were likely, would it solve any problems? This all needs to be studied,” Jirayu said, without specifying the possible length or timeframe for construction.
Currently, Thailand and Cambodia share an 817-kilometre border, with some sections, particularly around the Sa Kaeo-Poipet area, already secured by razor wire. The Thai Defence Ministry had previously suggested a 55-kilometre barrier in this region due to its many natural crossings.
The issue of scam centres in Southeast Asia has gained renewed attention following the January rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was deceived with a job offer in Thailand and later trafficked to a scam operation in Myanmar.
Meanwhile, in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region, more than 7,000 foreign nationals, mainly from China and African countries, remain stranded following the shutdown of similar operations. Thai authorities are coordinating with foreign embassies to facilitate their repatriation. Reports indicate that hundreds still face uncertain conditions in militia-controlled camps, waiting for assistance to return home.
The crackdown is ongoing, with officials estimating that as many as 300,000 individuals have been involved in scam operations in Myawaddy alone, with additional centres spread across the region
