Scam slam: Thais back power cut to con call-centres
A recent survey reveals a surge of support among Thai nationals for cutting utilities in Myanmar as a bold move to thwart call centre scams. With fingers pointing at possible collusion within Thai ranks, the government’s crackdown strategy is taking centre stage.
In a striking revelation, a new survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has shed light on a dramatic public endorsement for the Thai government’s hard-hitting strategy against call-centre scammers.
The majority of Thais are giving the green light to sever utilities in Myanmar, convinced it will short-circuit the criminal networks behind these devious operations.
The NIDA poll, conducted on February 10-11, tapped into the opinions of 1,310 individuals aged 18 and over from diverse educational and occupational backgrounds across Thailand.
When it comes to the government’s crackdown on scam operations, a staggering 70.54% of respondents are all in, fully supporting the move to cut off utilities in suspected scam hotspots in Myanmar, while 21.07% give it their cautious approval.
In contrast, the naysayers are few, with 5.34% somewhat disagreeing and a mere 3.05% strongly opposed to the strategy. The move to pull the plug on utilities is seen as a critical strike against those preying on unsuspecting victims.
But do these measures pack a punch? According to the survey, 60.92% believe the government’s approach will be somewhat effective in combating the scam scourge, while 17.71% are confident it will have a significant impact. However, 15.95% anticipate only a minimal effect, and 5.42% doubt it will make any difference at all.
Perhaps more intriguingly, the survey also delves into the murky waters of alleged collaboration between Thai officials and the scam syndicates. A resounding 69.85% of Thais suspect there’s definite involvement by Thai state officials in Myanmar’s illegal activities, while 26.87% remain unconvinced, opting to reserve judgment.
Only a scant 3.28% of respondents put their faith in a clean slate, confident that no Thai officials are in cahoots with the scammers.
Turning to recruitment tactics, half of the respondents (49.77%) see no significant difference in numbers between those duped into joining the scam operations and those signing up willingly.
Meanwhile, 25.80% believe the allure of ill-gotten gains is leading more individuals to voluntarily trek to Myanmar, eager to cash in with the call-centre conmen, reported Bangkok Post.
This latest survey not only highlights public backing for tough measures against scam networks but also shines a spotlight on the deep-seated suspicions of insider involvement.
Latest Thailand News
