Thailand calls for help in Mekong summit scam

Photo courtesy of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation

The Thai government will use the upcoming Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) meeting to seek regional support in tackling gangs that commit fraud in call centers.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to address the issue during the meeting and explore effective strategies to combat cross-border crime, including this scam. The 9th MLC meeting is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Chiang Mai.

Maris stressed the importance of regional cooperation in solving transnational crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking and fraud. Governments of neighbouring countries, including Laos, China and India, have recognised the importance of these issues and have agreed to enhance joint efforts to address them.

He noted that Thailand is ready to propose and promote this agenda through the MLC framework. He also expressed his gratitude to Laos for stepping up its efforts to tackle call center fraud in its part of the Golden Triangle area.

According to a source, the Thai Prime Minister will deliver a speech on Friday titled “Towards a Safer and Cleaner Mekong Lancang”.

“After the MLC foreign ministers’ meeting, a joint press conference will be held, with Maris and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.”

The MLC framework consists of six countries: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and China. The framework, initiated by Thailand in 2012, aims to enhance cooperation in the Mekong region, with an emphasis on sustainable development, reducing inequalities and promoting ASEAN cooperation, Bangkok Post reported.

Thailand calls for help in Mekong summit scam | News from Thaiger — Prasert Jantararuangtong, left, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, visits border areas in Chanthaburi province on August 10. Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

In December, Prime Minister Srettha catapulted Thailand to the heart of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) at the Fourth Leaders’ Meeting, taking the virtual stage with an unprecedented proposal for a shared future of peace and prosperity.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke set the tone, calling the event “Working together to build a community of shared future and modernization among the Mekong-Lancang countries.”

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