SE Asia Elections 2026: Trust & Economic Outlook

Thai officials are increasingly framing scamming networks as a national security concern, as the issue becomes politically linked to border security and fuels mistrust with neighboring Cambodia. The Thai military has described its border operations as a “war against the scam army,” while politicians are making anti-scamming enforcement a key part of their platforms ahead of upcoming elections.

Thailand Addresses Scam Networks as National Security Threat

Thailand has been aggressively targeting scam operations near its border, asserting that compounds and casinos in Cambodian border towns serve as hubs for online fraud targeting people globally. The issue is impacting Thais’ feelings of security and their finances, according to Rome of the People’s Party.

The opposition is using the issue to distance itself from accusations of being anti-military, promoting a message that its border policies and anti-corruption efforts can deliver results. The People’s Party has specifically included anti-scamming enforcement in its platform, arguing that transnational crime syndicates are connected to broader problems at the border.

“The clashes are not (only creating refugees), they make Thai people feel like they don’t have money anymore and they don’t feel safe to be living in this system,” Rome said.

A 2025 report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that 72% of Thais have fallen victim to scams, resulting in total annual losses of approximately US$3.7 billion.

Rome stated that Thailand is “on the front line” in combating these scam networks, warning of large amounts of illicit money flowing from Cambodia into Thailand. He added that there are reports this money is being used to influence or gain control of Thai financial institutions and energy companies, describing the threat as “very serious”.

Suranand emphasized that any future government must address this issue alongside border tensions, noting the underlying threat of money laundering and the involvement of numerous individuals.

Anutin and the Bhumjaithai party have adopted a firm stance regarding the Cambodia border dispute, prioritizing national defense and the protection of Thai citizens. Anutin has reportedly promised to construct a wall along the Thai-Cambodian border if Bhumjaithai remains in power after the general election.

The role of the military in Thai national affairs remains significant, with the country having experienced more than a dozen coups in its modern history, including the 2014 overthrow of Yingluck Shinawatra’s government by General Prayut Chan-o-cha. Analysts suggest that Thailand’s democratic systems remain fragile, and even modest stability is viewed as a positive outcome heading into 2026.

“I don’t expect high-quality democracy, but just stability of democracy is enough and no non-democratic power intervening,” said Stithorn. “I think that that is enough to judge the progress of Thailand’s democracy.”