IOM Launches New Campaign to Protect Travellers from Human Trafficking to Scam Centres in Thailand

Bangkok, 30 July 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a new public awareness campaign to help prevent human trafficking for forced criminality by equipping travellers with the knowledge to recognize fraudulent recruitment schemes before they become victims.

“Awareness is one of the strongest tools for preventing human trafficking,” said Among Resi, Head of Protection and Border Governance Unit at IOM Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. “By reaching travellers at the earliest possible moment when they arrive in Thailand, we aim to help them identify the signs of human trafficking, make informed decisions and know where to seek assistance.”

South-East Asia has emerged as a major hub for cyber-enabled scam operations, with trafficking for forced criminality becoming an increasingly prevalent form of exploitation. Victims are often lured by promises of well-paid employment opportunities, only to be trafficked and coerced into carrying out criminal activities in scam centres.

Thailand has become a key country of transit for this form of trafficking. Its strategic geographic location, extensive transport networks and connectivity have made it an important corridor for transnational criminal syndicates moving victims to scam centres in neighbouring countries.

Supported by the Government of the United Kingdom, and implemented in partnership with the Royal Thai Police, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Airports of Thailand PCL and private sector partners, this campaign reaches travellers arriving in Thailand from high-risk countries through targeted SMS alerts. The messages warn recipients about deceptive job offers and recruitment practices, providing information on where to seek help if they feel at risk.

“Trafficking for forced criminality is a transnational crime that requires strong cooperation across sectors,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Danu Klamsum, Commander of Tourist Police Division 1. “By working together to provide timely information to travellers, we can help prevent people from being trafficked into scam centres and disrupt the criminal networks behind this crime.”

The campaign also features digital billboards at Bangkok’s international airports, displaying clear warnings about fraudulent employment opportunities. Supported by the Government of Canada and developed in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Labour, the campaign aims to enhance prevention efforts and enable early detection of travellers vulnerable to labour and criminal exploitations.

Together, these interventions provide timely information at critical points along travellers’ journeys, enabling them to recognize the warning signs of trafficking and protect themselves before exploitation occurs.

Through the campaign, IOM reaffirms its commitment to supporting governments and partners in combatting human trafficking through prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships. Public awareness initiatives, alongside victim-centred assistance and strengthened cross-border cooperation, play a vital role in reducing the risks faced by vulnerable migrants and disrupting trafficking networks.

Originally published by IOM Thailand