5-2-2025 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities have apprehended two men suspected of operating an elaborate call centre scam from Cambodia that defrauded hundreds of victims, including prominent celebrities, through police impersonation schemes.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducted raids in Sa Kaeo and Chonburi provinces, leading to the arrests of Ramil Phanthawong, 31, and Thanawut Kanyaphan, 28. The pair face multiple charges, including public fraud and identity theft.
According to Chief Inspector Jiraphop Phuridech, the investigation was launched following complaints from victims who were contacted by supposed police officers accusing them of involvement in money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammers utilised counterfeit documentation and sophisticated AI technology to manipulate facial features during video calls, making identification challenging for law enforcement.
“The syndicate operated from the 13th floor of a high-rise in Poipet, Cambodia, employing approximately 50 individuals,” revealed Inspector Phuridech. “Our investigation uncovered 163 victims who collectively lost over 4 million baht (approximately £90,000).”
During questioning, Phanthawong admitted to working as a “first-line agent”, initiating contact with targets through a “Sim box” system under the direction of Chinese organisers and Thai supervisors. Kanyaphan confessed to impersonating law enforcement officers during video calls, successfully targeting high-profile victims including actress Charlotte Austin and former beauty queen Anchilee Scott-Kemmis.
The suspects claim they were initially recruited through social media advertisements for gambling website administrators. Upon arrival in Cambodia, their personal documents were allegedly confiscated, and they were coerced into participating in the criminal enterprise.
“The gang employed sophisticated money laundering techniques, converting stolen funds into digital assets before dispersing them across multiple currencies,” explained Phuridech. “The investigation continues as we work to identify the operation’s masterminds.”
Kanyaphan reported attempting to escape but was allegedly assaulted with a baseball bat. He was eventually permitted to leave after developing cardiac problems, returning to Thailand just fortnight before his arrest.
