Thailand experienced a significant increase in scam calls and text messages in 2024, reaching a record 168 million, Bloomberg reports, citing data from anti-scam tech firm Whoscall.
This surge occurred before authorities intensified efforts to combat cyber fraud operations in Southeast Asia.
Whoscall, an application designed to identify unknown callers and block scam calls, reported that common scam tactics included selling fake products, impersonating Thai companies, offering loans, or collecting debt. The app provider, Gogolook Thailand, a unit of Taipei-listed Gogolook Co. Ltd., noted that scammers have recently expanded their tactics to include impersonating delivery services and state utilities or agencies.
In 2024, nearly 130 million scam attempts were detected via text messages and 38 million via phone calls. This represents a 112% increase compared to 2023, when Whoscall recorded a total of 79.2 million calls and messages.
The rise in scam attempts highlights the prevalence of cyber scam operations across Southeast Asia, with reports of scam centers operating in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These operations are reportedly run primarily by Chinese fugitives and involve human trafficking, according to a United Nations Human Rights Office report.
The Thai government estimates daily losses of 60 to 70 million baht ($1.8-$2 million) due to scam operations, with total losses amounting to 42 billion baht between October 2023 and November 2024. Authorities have established a hotline for victims and launched a public awareness campaign.
In response, Thailand has increased its efforts to crack down on transnational criminal operations in neighboring countries. Measures include holding banks, mobile phone operators, social media platforms, and online money lenders liable for financial fraud on their platforms. Additionally, electricity, internet access, and fuel supplies have been cut off to areas in Myanmar suspected of housing cyber scam operations.
Recently, Thailand collaborated with China and Myanmar to repatriate hundreds of Chinese citizens from scam centers in Myanmar. Further ministerial-level meetings are planned to discuss next steps.
Thai and Cambodian police also conducted a raid on an online scam center in Cambodia, rescuing 215 foreign nationals.
China’s foreign ministry has stated that it is working with Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries to prevent cross-border crime and address online gambling and telecom fraud.
