Thai and Cambodian Prime Ministers to Discuss Cross-Border Online Scams and Economic Cooperation

Thai and Cambodian Prime Ministers to Discuss Cross-Border Online Scams and Economic Cooperation

Cracking Down on Cyber Scams

The Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet this week to discuss urgent matters affecting both nations, with a special focus on cross-border online scams that have been impacting Thai citizens. Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has underscored the need for immediate crackdown on these scams, which have inflicted significant financial losses on the Thai public. The dialogue will occur during Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s trip to Phnom Penh, marking his first official visit to a fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member since taking office.

The Thai government has expressed its determination to eliminate all scam operations rather than tackle them individually. The latter approach, officials believe, would be a never-ending task given the evolving nature of cybercrimes. The bilateral talks are set amid an uptick in cross-border trade between the two nations, which amounted to Bt103.6 billion between October 2022 and August 2023.

(Read Also: Cambodia Secures $140M Loan from ADB for Strategic Programs)

Boosting Bilateral Economic Cooperation

During his visit to the border province of Sa Kaeo, Parnpree monitored the progress of the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge construction. The bridge will connect Ban Nong Ian in Aranyaprathet district, Thailand, with Cambodia’s Ban Stung Bot in Oddar Meanchey district. The Foreign Minister was briefed by the army on the progress of clearing landmines along the border. As it stands, only 5.9 square kilometers remain uncleared from the initial 100 square kilometers.

Parnpree plans to discuss the development of the now safe areas with the Cambodian side for mutual benefit. The proposal aims to transform this land into an economic zone, pending approval from both nations. This initiative indicates Thailand’s readiness to develop the land and enhance bilateral economic cooperation.

(Read Also: Thailand’s ‘Angkor Replica’ Temple Building is Officially Under Way: Cambodian Ministry of Culture)

Strengthening ASEAN Ties

The forthcoming meeting between the Thai and Cambodian Prime Ministers signifies not only the Thai government’s commitment to suppress cybercrimes but also its dedication to strengthening ties with its ASEAN neighbors. The visit is an opportunity to explore new avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries and to address the scourge of online scams that have been plaguing the region. As cybercrimes evolve and become more sophisticated, the need for joint efforts and cooperation among nations increases. The Thai government’s proactive stance against cybercrimes sends a positive signal to other ASEAN nations grappling with similar issues.

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