Why Thailand is Making Wall with Cambodia like Berlin ?

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Thailand has announced that it is considering constructing a border wall along a section of its frontier with Cambodia in an effort to curb illegal crossings and combat a rising network of transnational scam operations. The proposal, revealed by the government on Monday, comes amid growing regional efforts to dismantle illicit fraud syndicates operating across Southeast Asia.

The border wall discussion follows a major operation in which Cambodian authorities handed over 119 Thai nationals to Thai police after a raid on a scam compound in Poipet. The operation freed more than 215 individuals, shedding light on the extensive human trafficking networks used to facilitate online fraud schemes. According to the United Nations, criminal organizations have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people into these scam centers in recent years.

The proposed wall, if approved, would focus on sealing off key sections of the porous border to prevent unauthorized crossings. However, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub emphasized that the project is still in the preliminary stages. “If it is done, how will it be done? What results and how will it solve problems? This is a study,” he stated, adding that details regarding the wall’s length and construction timeline remain unclear.

Thailand and Cambodia share a 508-mile-long border, with certain areas, particularly between Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province and Poipet, known for frequent illicit crossings. In the past, the Thai defense ministry has proposed a 34-mile barrier in this region, currently secured only by razor wire.

While Cambodia’s government has yet to comment on Thailand’s border wall proposal, security concerns remain a pressing issue for both nations. Scam centers, primarily linked to organized crime syndicates, have been operating for years across Southeast Asia, targeting victims globally, including as far away as West Africa.

The growing influence of these operations has raised alarms within the tourism and business sectors, as fraudulent activities erode confidence in travel safety and regional stability. Authorities fear that ongoing illegal crossings facilitate the movement of trafficked individuals, many of whom are coerced into working in these scam hubs under exploitative conditions.

Southeast Asia has been increasingly focused on tackling cybercrime and human trafficking, with Thai and Cambodian authorities coordinating law enforcement efforts to crack down on illegal enterprises. Tourism experts have warned that escalating security concerns could impact the region’s travel industry, as concerns over crime and border instability may deter visitors.

Thailand, one of the most visited countries in the world, remains committed to ensuring that security threats do not undermine its reputation as a leading destination. Officials are assessing whether border fortifications, including walls or other surveillance measures, could serve as effective deterrents while balancing trade and tourism interests with Cambodia.

The discussion over Thailand’s border security measures comes at a critical time when governments across the region are grappling with the challenge of transnational crime. As the study progresses, authorities will weigh the implications for diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and travel policies between Thailand and Cambodia.

Tourism stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, as any shifts in border control policies could affect travel accessibility between the two nations. With Thailand’s government exploring multiple strategies to enhance national security, the potential impact on cross-border tourism remains a key consideration for policymakers and industry leaders alike.

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