Thai authorities will screen each individual to determine victims vs willing participants
A first batch of 635 Thai nationals allegedly involved in online scam operations was repatriated from Cambodia via the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province on Thursday, with Thai authorities preparing to screen and prosecute those linked to cross‑border fraud networks.
Thai officials said all 635 returnees had been working in the same 13‑storey twin tower known as Building F, opposite Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet district.
Of the total, 592 were found carrying passports, while the remainder had reportedly surrendered their passports for visa extensions.
After the handover, all returnees will undergo screening to determine whether they were victims lured into scam operations or willing participants in online fraud targeting fellow Thais.
Authorities will also check each returnee’s criminal background to see if they face outstanding charges. The screening is expected to be extensive, with each person required to answer 70 to 80 questions.
Thai officials said the operation was in line with the joint statement signed by Thailand and Cambodia on Dec 27, 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral trust and cooperation, particularly in combating transnational crimes such as online scams and human trafficking, which threaten the economic and social security of both nations.
However, the handover was marred by delays on the Cambodian side. Despite an initial morning appointment, Thai authorities were forced to wait more than seven and a half hours before the transfer was finally completed in the afternoon.
Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapha Task Force under the 1st Army Area, said he viewed Cambodia’s move in a positive light, suggesting it could reflect a degree of sincerity, although he was uncertain how many Thai nationals would ultimately be repatriated on Thursday.
He said the Burapha Task Force, which oversees border security operations, had been informed in advance that Cambodian authorities would hand over Thai nationals arrested there, prompting him to personally facilitate the opening of Khlong Luek border checkpoint.
According to sources, Cambodian authorities had initially planned to send about 300 Thais across the border at around 9am, but by 4.30pm none had yet crossed.
Large numbers of Thai officials, including immigration police, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security staff, public‑health workers and soldiers, remained stationed around the checkpoint awaiting arrivals for National Referral Mechanism screening.
Cambodian officials reportedly blamed logistical problems. A large overnight crackdown on call‑centre scam gangs had led to numerous Chinese suspects being transported by bus to Siem Reap, leaving insufficient vehicles to move Thai nationals from Poipet.
Additional buses requested from Banteay Meanchey province caused further delays.
By the afternoon, several green minibuses carrying Thai nationals arrived at the Cambodian side of the checkpoint and completed Cambodian immigration procedures.
At about 4.30pm, border gates on both sides were opened and the Thai nationals began crossing into Thailand.
Senior Cambodian police led the group and crossed to greet Thai officials, exchanging handshakes at the checkpoint.
Source: Bangkok Post
