Thai call scam losses fall by 200 million baht after power cuts
The Thai government’s controversial decision to cut power, oil, and Internet services to border areas near Myanmar has reportedly paid off, with losses from call scams plummeting by at least 200 million baht.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong revealed that since the power cut-off on February 5, there has been a significant drop in cybercrime activity, with call scams taking the biggest hit.
Prasert shared that the drastic move resulted in a 20% reduction in reported cybercrime cases, with 25,487 cases recorded since the measure was implemented, compared to 31,159 in January before the service disruptions.
The minister also highlighted a 67% drop in complaints about call scams, with over 1,000 cases being filed daily prior to the action.
In a report from the Anti-Online Crime Centre, Prasert noted that damage claims from calls to the 1441 Hotline were 200 million baht lower in February compared to January, marking a 30% decrease.
This marks a major success for the government’s efforts to curb the rampant call scam operations that have plagued border regions.
While the power cut measure has faced some criticism for its impact on local communities, these figures suggest that it has been effective in reducing the financial damage caused by these scams.
The Thai government now faces increasing pressure to continue its crackdown on cybercrime while balancing the needs of affected communities along the border, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, Thai security forces have successfully intercepted and seized Internet transmission equipment believed to be used by a call centre scam operation, preventing it from being smuggled to Payathonzu, Myanmar.
The operation, led by the Lat Ya Task Force under Major General Asadawut Panyarachun, targeted a Toyota pickup truck at a routine security checkpoint in Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong.
Officers found 21 Starlink Internet transmission devices and four printers, all essential tools for fraud networks. This seizure is part of Thailand’s intensified efforts to combat cross-border cybercrime, particularly call centre scams affecting citizens and the economy.
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