Thailand’s ‘call’ for scam help at Mekong meeting

The Government of Thailand will leverage the upcoming Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) meeting to seek regional support in tackling call centre scam gangs.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa with addressing this issue during the meeting and exploring effective strategies to combat cross-border crimes, including these scams. The 9th MLC meeting is set for Thursday and Friday in Chiang Mai.

Maris emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in solving transnational crime, which encompasses the narcotics trade, human trafficking, and fraud. Governments of neighbouring countries, including Laos, China, and India, have recognised the significance of these issues and have agreed to enhance collaborative efforts to address them.

He noted that Thailand is prepared to propose and advance this agenda through the MLC framework. He also expressed gratitude to Laos for intensifying its efforts to crack down on call centre scams within its part of the Golden Triangle area.

The Thai premier is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech titled Towards Safer and Cleaner Mekong Lancang on Friday, according to a source.

“A joint press conference will follow the MLC foreign affairs ministers’ meeting, featuring Maris and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.”

The MLC framework consists of six countries: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China. Initiated by Thailand in 2012, the framework aims to enhance cooperation in the Mekong region, focusing on sustainable development, reducing disparities, and advancing ASEAN collaboration, reported Bangkok Post.

In December, PM Srettha catapulted Thailand into the heart of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) during the 4th Leaders’ Meeting, seizing the virtual stage with an unprecedented proposal for a shared future of peace and prosperity.

Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke set the tone, declaring the event under the theme, Join Hands on the Building of a Community of Shared Future and Modernisation among Mekong-Lancang Countries.