In an effort to fortify regional security and economic ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra promised a joint offensive against the pervasive scam networks plaguing Southeast Asia. The leaders met in Beijing to discuss these pressing issues, highlighting the commitment of both nations towards mutual security and cooperation.
Southeast Asia has become an epicenter for online scam operations, particularly in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These nations share borders with Thailand and have become hotbeds for criminal activities, including online scams. Often, individuals are deceived by enticing ads offering lucrative jobs, only to find themselves forced into clandestine operations run by illicit groups. Such scams target unsuspecting victims worldwide, affecting the reputations and safety of nations involved.
Thailand's image has been notably tarnished by the recurrence of incidents where Chinese nationals have been trafficked into scam rings operating from neighboring Myanmar. The situation gained attention with the involvement of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was reportedly coerced into a scam network.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Crime
Both Thai and Chinese authorities have been actively engaging in measures to combat these operations. A notable step was made by the Chinese Vice Minister of Public Security, Liu Zhongyi, who visited the contentious border regions to address the issue firsthand. President Xi emphasized the importance of Thailand’s strong stance against online gambling fraud and expressed the need for enhanced collaboration in law enforcement and judiciary between the two countries.
Echoing Xi's sentiments, Paetongtarn expressed Thailand's determination to partner with China and neighboring countries to curb cross-border crimes like online scams. Prior to her visit, Thai authorities intervened by cutting electricity to certain border regions in Myanmar, aiming to disrupt these illicit operations, although the overall impact remains uncertain due to the scammers' use of independent power sources.
Advancements in Bilateral Relations
This meeting marked a significant milestone in Thailand-China relations, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic connectivity. It was also Paetongtarn's inaugural visit to China as prime minister. Among other developments, China hashed out plans for a new railway link between the two nations—a $10 billion project that will bridge Bangkok to the Laos-China high-speed railway, approved by Thailand just days before the meeting.
Additionally, the leaders discussed expanding cooperation in electric vehicle sectors, with Thailand emerging as a promising market for Chinese automobile manufacturers. Despite a decline in the number of Chinese tourists, from 11 million in 2019 to just 6.7 million in 2024, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China remains a pivotal part of Thailand's tourism and economic landscape.
Regional and Political Implications
The intricate dynamics of Thailand’s political and regional affiliations were highlighted as Paetongtarn referenced delicate regional issues, reiterating Thailand's adherence to the 'one-China' policy, which aligns with Beijing’s view on Taiwan. This diplomatic stance was underlined by Thailand's earlier decision to deport a group of Chinese Uyghur detainees back to China, underlining the nation’s commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with China.
This collaborative effort against scam networks signifies a robust alignment of regional policy and cooperation. By addressing security concerns, both nations are paving the way for strengthened economic partnerships and regional stability.
