On Thursday, 29 January 2026, the Thailand Chevening Alumni Association (TCAA) hosted a panel discussion titled
“Tackling Transnational Cyber Scams in the Greater Mekong Subregion: Challenges and Solutions for Thailand”
The event was honored by the participation of
Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Peeraphat Mangkhalasiri,
Deputy Director of the Center for Crime Science,
who delivered a special lecture sharing knowledge and practical experience in addressing transnational cybercrime.
Cybercrime – Human Trafficking – Forced Labor Crisis
Cybercrime that hides its “victims” behind the screen
In the digital age, cybercrime is no longer merely a matter of online fraud. It has become deeply interconnected with human trafficking and forced labor in new, complex, and cross-border forms.
One particularly alarming pattern is Trafficking for Forced Criminality—the trafficking of persons for the purpose of coercing victims into committing crimes. This is especially prevalent in call center scam networks and online fraud operations. Many victims are deceived into working abroad, only to have their documents confiscated, be threatened, subjected to violence, or trapped in debt bondage, leaving them unable to refuse participation in criminal activities.
Technology has thus become both a tool of criminal networks and a shield concealing the real masterminds, causing those forced into illegal work to be treated as “offenders” rather than recognized as victims. This poses significant challenges to the justice system in distinguishing between perpetrators and victims within complex criminal cases.
The forced labor crisis within the cybercrime context not only violates fundamental human rights but also undermines national security and public confidence in the justice system. Addressing this issue requires a Victim-Centered Approach, alongside strong cooperation among domestic and international agencies in accordance with established frameworks.
Understanding that “cybercrime does not arise solely from technology, but from conditions that enable the exploitation of human beings” is a crucial starting point for prevention, intervention, and ensuring that victims are no longer hidden behind screens.
The event also featured distinguished experts from various sectors:
- Mr. Bancha Manoonkulchai, Advisor to the Deputy Governor for Financial Institutions Stability
- Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krissana Phutrakul, Chair of the Criminology and Justice Administration Committee, Rangsit University
- Dr. Setthasiri Thianpirakul, Provincial Prosecutor attached to the Office of the Attorney General
- The session was moderated by Ms. Orapin Yingyongphatthana, Co-founder of Roket Media Lab.
This discussion created a platform for exchanging perspectives, analyzing current situations, and drawing key lessons on:
Digital-age scam threats
while presenting comprehensive prevention and response strategies to enhance public awareness and reduce the risk of falling victim to online crimes today.
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