Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Phaythongthayn Shinawatra said in Beijing today that they would work together to crack down on a network of online fraud that has hit Southeast Asia.
Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, which are located south of China and share a border with Thailand, are major centers of online fraud where people, lured by false advertisements for well-paying jobs, are smuggled into secret compounds where they are forced into slave labor by organized criminal groups.
There have been numerous stories of Chinese people being lured to work in Bangkok only to be sold in Myanmar. Thai and Chinese officials have taken steps to address the problem of fraud, including a visit to the border region by China's deputy minister of public security.
"China appreciates Thailand's strong measures in combating online fraud. Both sides should continue to strengthen cooperation in the areas of law enforcement, security and justice," Xi said.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra added that "Thailand is willing to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with China and take decisive and effective measures to combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling and fraud."
Ahead of her visit, Thailand cut off power to some areas in Myanmar along its border in an attempt to disrupt the operation of the fraud complexes. The effect of this is unclear because the facilities often have their own generators.
On other bilateral issues, Xi said China is willing to work on a new railway project between the countries. Thailand on Tuesday approved a $10 billion railway project that will eventually connect Bangkok with a high-speed rail link between Laos and China.
He also said they hope to deepen cooperation in the field of electric vehicles, with Thailand a potential new market for Chinese automakers.
The prime minister said Thailand was ready to accommodate China's interests on key issues. After the meeting in Beijing, Paetongtarn said Thailand "firmly" adheres to the one-China principle, specifically Beijing's position that the island of Taiwan is an integral part of China.
The visit to China was the first since the election of Thailand's new prime minister and comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Bonus video:
