On July 8, 2025, the Thai police launched a large-scale special operation, officially starting a severe crackdown on transnational telecommunications fraud groups. Major General Dai Tong, head of the Thai Technology Crime Investigation Department, ordered a joint operation with the Immigration Bureau at 19 locations including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Chonburi, successfully arresting the core figure involved—Kok An, a confidant of former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and a wealthy businessman.
In the operation, the police, based on arrest and search warrants issued by the Criminal Court, seized several luxury cars on the scene and froze funds involved exceeding 27 million Thai Baht, destroying a vast criminal system closely connected to the Cambodian Poipet telecom fraud dens and money laundering networks.
According to reports, Kok An is not only the behind-the-scenes controller of the Poipet Crown Casino but also directly operates several scam command center buildings, including 25-story, 18-story, and HISO buildings. He is suspected of long-term establishment of a scam "control base" in Cambodia, luring Thai citizens to Cambodia to open "nominee accounts," and being forced to participate in face-binding systems, engaging in fraud and digital money laundering activities, with victims spread across both Thailand and Cambodia.
The Thai side had already locked down this transnational crime chain on June 26, confirming its members' diverse nationalities and meticulous division of labor, involving tele-fraud, mixed scams, and illegal detention among other serious crimes. Kok An, as the owner of the involved buildings, is accused of being aware and actively participating in the management and facilitating the crimes.
The Criminal Court issued arrest warrant No. 3924/2568 on July 7, authorizing immediate pursuit. This operation is seen as a strong signal of Thailand's declaration of war against cross-border tele-fraud crimes and also indicates the future direction of anti-fraud cooperation among China, Cambodia, and Thailand.
The Thai police stated that they will continue to thoroughly investigate the criminal capital and high-level connections, resolutely cutting off the telecom fraud chain, and preventing Thailand from becoming a hotbed and transit center for cross-border crimes. The case is still under further investigation.
