A surge in transnational scam operations based in border regions has intensified diplomatic friction between Cambodia and Thailand, with authorities reporting over 800 suspected fraud centers shut down in 2025. The conflict centers on jurisdictional disputes and coordinated crackdowns.
- 817 scam centers were shut down in 2025 along the Cambodia-Thailand border
- Estimated $3.2 billion in illicit proceeds linked to scam operations in 18 months
- 62% of closed centers located within 30 km of the Cambodian border
- 48% of operatives identified as Thai nationals operating under Cambodian jurisdiction
- 1,200 additional Thai military personnel deployed to border region in January 2026
- 22% decline in cross-border remittance volumes due to fraud-related trust erosion
Escalating border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand have taken on a new dimension, with both nations accusing each other of harboring and facilitating large-scale illegal scam operations. In 2025, joint law enforcement efforts led to the closure of 817 scam centers concentrated along the shared 1,200-kilometer frontier, particularly in border provinces such as Banteay Meanchey and Surin. These facilities, often disguised as tech startups or call centers, were linked to fraudulent schemes targeting individuals in China, Southeast Asia, and North America, with an estimated $3.2 billion in illicit proceeds generated in the past 18 months alone. The operations typically involved coordinated cyber fraud, impersonation of government agencies, and fake investment platforms. Thai authorities reported that 62% of the shut-down centers were located within 30 kilometers of the Cambodian border, while Cambodian officials claimed that 48% of the operatives were Thai nationals operating under Cambodian jurisdiction. This has led to growing bilateral tensions, with both sides accusing the other of failing to enforce border controls or deporting suspected fraudsters. In January 2026, Thailand deployed an additional 1,200 military personnel to the border region, while Cambodia intensified surveillance and satellite monitoring in contested zones. The disruptions have affected cross-border trade, with customs delays increasing by 37% in Q1 2026, and prompted international concern over regional stability. The situation has drawn attention from ASEAN officials, who have called for a unified regional task force to address the transnational crime nexus. The financial implications extend beyond security. Chinese financial regulators have flagged 14 banks and fintech platforms linked to scam laundering activities, while five major digital payment providers in Thailand and Cambodia reported a 22% drop in transaction volumes from cross-border remittances due to fraud-related trust erosion.