Government’s scam centre crackdown not enough, warns Rangsiman

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Thai authorities facilitated growth of unlawful operations, says criticism member

PUBLISHED: 27 Feb 2025 at 15: 20

Victims of scam centres who were tricked or trafficked into working in Myanmar, stuck in limbo at a compound inside the KK Park, a fraud factory, and a human trafficking hub on the border with Thailand-Myanmar after a multinational crackdown on the compounds run by criminal gangs, operated by the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) in Myawaddy, Myanmar, on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters)
Victims of scam centres who were tricked or trafficked into working in Myanmar, stuck in limbo at a compound inside the KK Park, a fraud factory, and a human trafficking hub on the border with Thailand-Myanmar after a multinational crackdown on the compounds run by criminal gangs, operated by the Karen Border Guard Force ( BGF ) in Myawaddy, Myanmar, on Wednesday. ( Photo: Reuters )

A leading Thai criticism lawmaker said a current campaign to target scam factories along Thailand’s border with Myanmar has resulted in only a small percentage of workers being fired, calling for more detailed measures to kick out a flourishing illegal industry.

According to the United Nations ( UN), Thailand, which is supported by China, is pushing to end the country’s Myawaddy region, which is a part of a network of highly lucrative and illegal operations throughout Southeast Asia. In recent years, hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked by criminal gangs.

Women’s Party deputy president Rangsiman Rome, Thailand’s leading words in calls for action against borders boiler rooms that have defrauded Thais of hundreds of millions of US money, in an interview told&nbsp, Reuters that 300, 000 people were operating in Myawaddy fraud materials, less than 10, 000 of which had been rescued.

” It means like the kingdom of the fraud is still there… we’re really shaking them”, said Mr Rangsiman, the head of legislature’s committee on national security and border matters.

Mr Rangsiman, who has travelled through some of the border regions himself, said about 40 fraud substances existed it. He did no identify information.

” If we just quit, they can maintain their company”, he said.

Rangsiman Rome, deputy leader of the opposition Women's Party, says about 300, 000 people are working in con ingredients in Myawaddy, Myanmar. ( File photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Rangsiman Rome, deputy leader of the opposition Women’s Party, says about 300, 000 people are working in con ingredients in Myawaddy, Myanmar. ( File photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated in legislature on Thursday that the government was addressing the issue of scam centers as an immediate issue. Fraud centers have been operating in Myawaddy and another border towns for years, but they have recently gained new attention as a result of Wang Xing‘s abduction in Thailand last month, which sparked a social media storm in his home country.

Afterwards, Wang Xing was found in the Myawaddy region, found, and returned to China.

Stop the corruption

As part of a coordinated response, Thailand cut off power, internet and fuel supplies to some borders areas, including Myawaddy, where armed groups have also worked to draw people out of fraud centres, including human smuggling victims. More than 7, 000 foreigners are waiting to cross from Myawaddy to Thailand, which is coordinating with several embassies to help them expedite their repatriations. The majority of them are from China.

However, according to Mr. Rangsiman, who represents the opposition People’s Party, Thai authorities are not doing enough to stop these con artists from swindling their profits or Thai officials from being complicit in their expansion. Col Saw Chit Thu, a Myanmar warlord who controls areas close to Myawaddy and is well known for being a part of the rise of scam centers on the Thai frontier, is one of them.

” We know that he has a big connection with the Thai side”, said Mr Rangsiman, pointing to suspected links between Saw Chit Thu, who leads the Karen National Army, and Thai officials.

Saw Chit Thu: Runs scam centre hub.

Saw Chit Thu: Runs scam centre hub.

Chit Thu and his militia could not be reached for comment.

Following the appointment of a fact-finding committee to investigate allegations of human trafficking, Thai police have recently transferred several officials from Tak province, which borders Myawaddy.

Mr. Rangsiman claimed that Thai government and security officials were directly involved in the dramatic growth of the scam compounds.

” It’s time to stop the corruption in Thailand”, he said.

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Hacker responsible for international data breaches arrested in joint Singapore-Thailand operation

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According to SPF, Thai officials from the Criminal Investigation Department’s ( CID ) cybercrime command collaborated closely with Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ) to share investigation findings relating to the suspected threat actor, who is also alleged to be responsible for a wave of data breach cases in Thailand.

The identity of the man was established based on the prospects uncovered, it added.

Following the man’s arrest, assets valued at over 10 million baht ( US$ 295, 000 ) were seized, including laptops, mobile phones, luxury vehicles and branded bags.

International teamwork is essential in the cyberspace because scammers do not value territories, according to SPF’s head of hacking control associate commissioner of police Paul Tay.

The Royal Thai Police are commended for their great assistance in eradicating this legal system and making our cyber safer, and The SPF is committed to working carefully with our local partners.

Investigations are ongoing, SPF said.

THE Attacker

A securities trading company in Thailand was the first to fall victim to a data breach under the name ALTDOS in late 2020, according to a joint advisory from the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore ( CSA ), Personal Data Protection Commission ( PDPC ), and SPF.

ALTDOS targets organizations for monetary gain, along with those from Singapore and Bangladesh as victims.

In August 2021, real estate agency OrangeTee &amp, Tie received an email from ALTDOS, demanding a payment of 10 Bitcoin for the health and non-disclosure of the data. Additionally, the ransom demand contained picture of five directories that were purportedly taken.

After discovering a number of errors that led to the compromise of more than 250, 000 customers ‘ and employees ‘ personal data, the organization was then fined S$ 37,000 by PDPC.

Authorities noted in another shared advice that GHOSTR was founded in August 2023 and concentrated on organizations in Southeast Asia. It allegedly extorted, demanded a payment, and sold its victims ‘ sensitive information.

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Enter the Upin & Ipin Universe for global gamers

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The open-world Upi & Ipin Universe will launch this year.

Leading South Asian animation studio Les ‘ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd, the creators of the globally acclaimed Upin &;, made a pioneering move for the South Eastern entertainment and gambling sectors. Ipin company, has commissioned Streamline Studios, a wholly owned system of US business, Streamline Media Group, to create the Upin & Ipin system activity. Les ‘ Copaque and Streamline Media Group have therefore agreed to form a partnership to simultaneously submit Upin & Ipin Universe.

Upin & The second open-world unit and PC game to feature the precious twins is Ipin Universe. Built in False Engine 5, it offers a magnificent next-generation experience. Launching in 2025, Upin & An optimistic open-world game called Ipin Universe may appeal to gamers around the world with its beauty and ferocity.

With Upin & The company has captivated audiences across the globe and is featured on major streaming services like Netflix, Disney , and Amazon Prime, and has gained enormous popularity in Southeast Asia, specially in Malaysia and Indonesia. This agreement marks a ground-breaking development, extending the franchise’s scope beyond traditional media and licensing to the cutting-edge interactive entertainment market.

“For times, Upin & Ipin has been about celebrating family, friendship, and community, ” said Burhanuddin Md Radzi, Managing Director of Les ’ Copaque. Viewers will have a chance to interact with Upin and Ipin’s globe like never before thanks to our relationship with Streamline Media Group. ”

We are thrilled to work with Les Copaque Production to deliver Upin &;; &;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Ipin into the international gaming light,” said Alexander Fernandez, CEO of Streamline Studios and Streamline Media Group. We saw this as an opportunity to develop the company into a fully realized open-world experience that offered the depth and soaking players had come to expect from a superior system and PC game. By merging Les ’ Copaque’s rich storytelling with our expertise in world-class game development, Upin & For both the company and South Asian content as a whole, Ipin Universe will be a transformative project. ”

Discover the miracle of kampung lifestyle: A villager’s adventure

In Malaysia ,’kampung ‘ refers to a village—a way of life steeped in tradition, community, and warmth. Developed in Malaysia, Upin & Ipin Universe is a gift to Southeast Asian town life, inviting people to discover its scenery, stories, and customs, crafted by creators who grew up immersed in this society.

Add the growing anticipation for Upin &; Ipin Universe. the web for the game, and

conflict are now exist, featuring unique idea art, behind-the-scenes updates, and a blueprint of what’s to occur. Follow# UpinIpin Universe and take part in the adventure! Stay tuned for big reveal announcements and community events! “

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Singapore sets up Earth observation initiative in space sector push

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The national space office announced on Wednesday ( Feb. 26 ) that Singapore has launched a new initiative to address the region’s sustainability and humanitarian issues.

The Earth Observation Initiative ( EOI), led by Singapore’s Office for Space Technology &amp, Industry ( OSTIn ), will address Asia-Pacific’s issues such as food and water quality, disaster and disease monitoring as well as forestry and land management, the agency said in a press release.

An additional S$ 60 million ( US$ 44.8 million ) will also be invested in OSTIn’s Space Technology Development Programme (STDP ) over the next two years, to boost technological innovation and develop Singapore’s space technology ecosystem.

The organization will collaborate with its foreign counterparts to create an open, equitable, and rule-based global regime governing area activities.

At the Global Space Technology Convention &amp, Exhibition 2025, these were one of the new initiatives that Singapore introduced to support its expansion into the booming storage business.

According to a World Economic Forum report released in April of last year, the world place sector is projected to triple in size by 2035, increasing from US$ 630 billion in 2023. &nbsp,

According to Economic Development Board ( EDB) managing director Jacqueline Poh,” Singapore’s space industry is entering a new phase of growth, driven by global advances that lower the cost of space technology and growing real-world wants.”

” By leveraging our strengths in business and R&amp, D ( research and development ), we aim to develop space technologies that can unlock new economic opportunities, reinforcing Singapore’s role in the global space economy”.

FIRST OF ITS KIND

The EOI, the first of its kind in Singapore, is coordinated by OSTIn and aims to use storage technologies to make a difference&nbsp, on local issues.

International organizations, research organizations, business people like the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and the World Bank, as well as local people like the Singapore Land Authority and Maritime and Port Authority, are among the 15 partners and associates.

Earth study technology is a cost-effective way to monitor, manage and mobilise sources by providing complete, real-time information on a wide range of economic situations, OSTIn explained.

” This enables us to track changes in terrain apply, monitor water resources, assess produce wellness, and predict natural tragedies with extraordinary speed and accuracy”, it said.

The strength of Earth assessment is in its ability to cover large areas quickly and repeatedly, reducing the need for substantial ground-based data collection and providing important insights to remind targeted interventions and coverage choices.

In established spacefaring regions, such as in the West, Earth observation hubs do exist, but there is a gap in the Asia-Pacific region and in Southeast Asia specifically, said OSTIn executive director Jonathan Hung.

Due to its near-equatorial and low Earth Orbit satellite capabilities, Singapore is well-placed to support the region, according to the organization, with frequent and high-resolution data.

Very Low Earth Orbit satellite technologies enable satellites to travel in different orbits closer to Earth for various purposes.

Apart from tackling regional challenges, the initiative also aims to use the data collected to tailor solutions to the Asia-Pacific region’s unique needs, then export them to other regions with similar challenges.

The exchange of knowledge and capacity building is another focus, with workshops, seminars and training sessions held to share insights, best practices and lessons in the field of Earth observation.

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Asia’s impact investing gains traction as institutional players step up | FinanceAsia

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Major investors and policymakers are accelerating the formalization and expansion of Asia’s influence investing industry. At the Tideline Compass Series section on February 18, business leaders discussed the state’s growth path, emerging challenges, and the steps needed to promote administrative implementation.

¬ Plaza Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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ASEAN has to maintain centrality amid rising global tensions, security threats: Observers

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GEOPOLITICAL Advances

In a media conference on Tuesday, Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin outlined a number of pressing issues that he will be discussing with his ASEAN counterparts in light of the dynamic political landscape. &nbsp,

These include establishing a humanitarian relief committee to deal with organic disasters brought on by climate change, improving regional security, and advancing the country’s military supply chain.

Malaysia is currently leading ASEAN this time. &nbsp,

Regarding maritime security, Mr. Khaled warned against regional militarization and urged nations with overlapping claims to solve problems diplomatically. &nbsp,

There is a need for everyone to assure freedom of navigation, adhere to international laws, and make an effort not to make this region a superpower-friendly environment, he added.

Southeast Asia faces many challenges, particularly with conflicts rising between China and the United States, said spectators.

Member states have found themselves veering off in a variety of guidelines, putting strain on efforts to come to a discussion on political issues.

Mr. Khaled made the claim earlier this month that ASEAN’s centrality, particularly in the South China Sea, is “very essential,” stressing the idea that the group should continue to play a major role in local cooperation and diplomacy.

The only way to overcome any difficulties that are confronting this area and the rest of the world is through this, he continued.

The world is in” a really remarkable period of advances” with ongoing issues, and how some relationships are breaking down while new people are coming up, said Ms Sharon Seah, representative of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s ASEAN Studies Centre.

Southeast Asia, for example, has to maintain its relationship with the US under the uncertain Trump presidency. &nbsp,

According to Ms. Seah,” I believe a very reasonable and logical assessment is required.” &nbsp,

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Anti-torture law reaches 2-year mark

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Minister features progress, problems

PUBLISHED: 25 Feb 2025 at 07: 04

Tawee: Says act provides protection
Tawee: Says work provides shelter

Tawee Sodsong, the justice minister, outlined what he called the two effective years for enforcing the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance BE 2565 ( 2023 ).

On Monday, Pol Col Tawee presided over an event at the Justice Ministry’s department on Chaeng Watthana Rd that celebrated the next anniversary of the protection of the Act.

Representatives from the UNHCR in Southeast Asia, Cynthia Veliko, and other representatives from various organizations, including those from the DSI, DSI, and PACC, were present at the event.

Pol Col Tawee emphasized that the law offers the people necessary protections against forced disappearances and torture.

While the secretary acknowledged development, he also pointed out ongoing problems. The Finance Ministry’s pause in approving some regulatory measures necessary to ensure patients ‘ compensation and rehabilitation has an unresolved issue.

The UN continues to be concerned about the slowness of the assent, which is a result of this delay.

Given that the legislation has been in effect for two years but still hasn’t fully implemented, Pol Col Tawee stressed the need for quick motion.

He even mentioned the assumption that previous laws might be enforced.

He said that despite these failures, the legislation has now led to improvements in the country’s total animal rights landscape.

The secretary also discussed the challenges that Thai citizens who have vanished worldwide face, adding that these situations frequently involve issues in cooperating with foreign governments and the limitations of international law.

He claimed that his organization continues to support the Office of the Attorney General’s efforts to bring about fairness for these people.

According to reports, there have been a total of 141 cases filed under the act, including 58 instances of rape, 45 instances of violence and inhuman treatment, 17 instances of enforced disappearance and 21 situations with two or more crimes. To date, there have been two cases before the judges.

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Families of Malaysian scam centre victims call on Thailand to do more

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CRACKDOWN ON SCAM FARMS

According to the United Nations, legal cartels have been trafficking thousands of people from all over the world to con centers along Southeast Asia, including along the Thai-Myanmar border, where patients have been forced to work in ill-legal online scam businesses. &nbsp,

As con centers have expanded swiftly throughout the region in recent years, observers have called for more work to be done to stop cyber fraud syndicates. &nbsp,
 
After the violence of Chinese professional Wang Xing, who had been lured to Thailand by a profitable acting career, in January, Thai government launched a new clampdown. &nbsp,

He later returned home after being discovered close to the Burmese border city of Myawaddy, a notorious hub for con artists. &nbsp,

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan praised the efforts of China and Thailand to free the thousands of fraud victims trapped in Myawaddy next week. &nbsp,

He stated that China has taken strong measures to combat cross-border ( crimes ), particularly job scams and illegal gambling, as best they can. &nbsp,

” Thailand was asked to cut the electricity supply ( to scam compounds )… That is why many victims were recently released” .&nbsp,

Many of the victims ‘ families are concerned and apprehensive, and they enlist in the authorities to ensure their loved ones ‘ safe return. &nbsp, &nbsp,

” I hope the ( Chinese ) army can go into the scam compound where my son is, and force them to surrender so that my son can come back”, said a victim’s father. &nbsp,

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