Thailand considers building wall on its border with Cambodia

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thailand is considering constructing a wall along a section of its border with Cambodia to curb illegal crossings, a government spokesman said on Monday.

The wall would aim to dismantle the extensive network of scam centers located right next to Thailand's borders, which have victimized many people worldwide, including a significant number of Thais, Bangkok Post reported.

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said that the idea of building a wall was discussed on Monday at a Cabinet meeting, with Thailand’s Foreign and Defense Ministries assigned to discuss the matter with Cambodian authorities.

"If it is done, how would it be done? What results were likely? Would it solve any problems? This all needs to be studied," Jirayu said.

The Cambodian government has yet to respond to the proposed wall.

The crackdown on these criminal organizations engaged in large-scale financial fraud, primarily run by Chinese gangs operating in Cambodia and Myanmar, is being intensified, according to Bangkok Post.

Thai officials at the weekend received 119 Thai nationals from Cambodian authorities after a raid in a Cambodian border town rescued at least 215 people held in a scam center.