Seized assets to be used for compensating Thai call centre scam victims
The government is ready to compensate victims of call centre scams following the seizure of billions of baht worth of assets over the past three years.
Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chantararuangthong said ongoing crackdowns on call-centre scams since 2021 have led to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seizing substantial assets, and some of them have been earmarked for return to scam victims.
He said the AMLO would publish a notice in the Royal Gazette within 90 days asking victims to claim their properties.
To claim compensation, victims could send a postal mail or email to the AMLO, or report in person at the AMLO office. Subsequently, the AMLO will refer the cases to prosecutors and courts for asset protection. If the total value of assets covers all damaged people, they would get full compensation, otherwise, they'll be distributed proportionately, possibly not fully covering the loss, Prasert said.
He revealed that the seized assets included 6 billion baht in cash, and a total of 10 billion baht when counted with seized real estate and other assets.
To prove fraud, evidence of transfers must align with financial records, the minister said, adding that the process may take up to a year. Regardless, funds are currently available for reimbursement, he said.
The minister said that even those who hadn't reported their loss previously had a chance to get their money back if the damage was caused by a criminal offence and had the same financial route account.
