Laos Repatriates 24 Thais Linked to Call Centre Scams

Laos Repatriates 24 Thais Linked to Call Centre Scams

CHIANG RAI, 2 July 2026 — Lao authorities have handed over 24 Thai nationals suspected of involvement in call centre scam operations to Thai police, following an investigation in Bokeo province, officials said.

The transfer took place on June 30 at the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Chiang Rai, where Lao authorities handed over 15 men and nine women to Thai officials after determining they were linked to online fraud operations, according to The Thaiger.

Thai authorities said background checks revealed that two of the 24 were already wanted under outstanding arrest warrants for fraud and offences under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act.

One suspect, Sarayu, 25, was wanted under three arrest warrants issued by provincial courts in Phetchabun and Maha Sarakham in late May 2026. Another suspect, Somsak, 33, had been wanted since 2023.

Lao authorities also handed over evidence seized during the operation, including 11 mobile phones, four laptop computers and 20 passports, for further forensic examination and investigation by Thai police as they seek to identify the wider cybercrime network behind the operation.

Khaosod reported that the repatriation was not the first involving Thai nationals linked to online scam operations. In January, Cambodian authorities allowed 162 Thai nationals to return to Thailand through the Chanthaburi border crossing, with six of them later found to be the subjects of outstanding arrest warrants.