Work

The Anti‐Fraud Lever: China's Strategic Use of the Scam Crackdown to Invigorate the LMLECC Process Against Thailand's Reluctance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT China launched an unprecedented crackdown on Myanmar‐based, transnational, Chinese‐led criminal syndicates—particularly telecommunications and Internet fraud rings targeting Chinese nationals. This action was prompted by a public outcry over human trafficking and the increasing number of victims of fraud in China. The Chinese campaign comprised several actions, including organizing joint operations, such as Operation SEAGULL under the Chinese‐led Lancang–Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center (LMLECC), and authorizing high‐profile extraterritorial activities—most notably Liu Zhongyi's conspicuous actions on Thai soil. Although China's assertive measures have been successful in dismantling major fraud operation centers, its near‐unilateral actions and circumvention of traditional diplomatic norms and protocols have negatively affected Sino–Thai relations, raising concerns regarding sovereignty and the expanding reach of LMLECC cooperation. In this context, the disruption of Chinese‐led criminal syndicates likely served as a pretext for China to advance its political and security influence in the Mekong region.

Source: Asian Politics & Policy

DOI: 10.1111/aspp.70064

Authors: Watunyu Jaiborisudhi, Poowin Bunyavejchewin, Kridsana Chotisut

Institutions: Thammasat University, Naresuan University

Language: English

Topic: Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Thammasat University