Thailand considers power, internet cuts to combat call-centre scams in Cambodia

High on the government’s agenda is a proposal, from the army’s supreme commander, to cut cross-border electricity and internet supplies to Cambodia, in an effort to suppress call-centre scam operations based there, Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich said today.

Any decision on the matter is sensitive, though, due to the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia, he noted.

"Any suspension of the supplies will need to be discussed with the Border Security Threat Prevention and Resolution Coordination Centre, chaired by the supreme commander, the government and the National Security Council," he said.

Asked whether implementing such a measure could reignite tensions along the border, which have shown signs of easing, the deputy minister said this was precisely why the matter must be carefully considered.

Commenting on the situation near the Chong Bok pass, in Ubon Ratchathani’s Nam Yuen district, following Phnom Penh’s agreement to withdraw its troops to previous positions, Nattaphon said conditions had improved slightly.

Nevertheless, immigration measures, including adjusted checkpoint opening hours and limitations on cross-border activities, will remain in place for the time being.

"The border situation has improved slightly, as Cambodia’s agreement to pull back from the disputed area has reduced the risk of confrontation, which would endanger both troops and civilians in the area," he said.

One major reason behind Cambodia’s withdrawal, he noted, was Thailand’s threat to suspend power supplies at nine border points if negotiations failed, but Nattaphon said the measure remains an option, should the situation deteriorate.

Cambodia is due to host a meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission with Thailand this Saturday, primarily to discuss the clash on May 28 near the Chong Bok pass.

Former Ambassador Prasart Prasartwinitchai, a veteran legal expert, will lead the Thai delegation to Phnom Penh, accompanied by the Thai ambassador to Cambodia and representatives from relevant security agencies.

Joining Prasart will be the secretary-general of the National Security Council, the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh, the directors-general of the Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, East Asia Department, representatives of the Army Survey Department, the Hydrographic Department and the Provincial Administration Department, the commissioner of the Border Patrol Police, the deputy director-general of the Treaties and Legal Affairs Department and representatives from the Interior Ministry and the three armed forces.

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will not attend the JBC meeting, but has assigned General Songwit Noonpackdee, the supreme commander, as the advisor to the Thai delegation.

A panel is due to meet in a day or two to prepare documents and matters to be discussed at the meeting.