Warrant issued for the arrest of the Cambodian casino owner
**Thai Police Crackdown on "Godfather of Poipet" Kok An Over Transnational Scam Centers**
In a significant move against organized crime, the Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Cambodian property owner Kok An, also known as the "Godfather of Poipet." The arrest warrant, approved by the Criminal Court on Monday, follows allegations that Kok An has been supporting and orchestrating large-scale scam centers operating in Poipet, Cambodia, where multiple high-rise buildings he owns serve as major call center bases for transnational fraud operations.
The four properties in question are an 18-storey building, a 25-storey building, the HI-SO building, and the Crown Casino Resort complex. These buildings have reportedly been used to lure many Thai workers into opening mule accounts, helping to move stolen funds and launder money. Some victims were forcibly detained or confined abroad.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is leading the investigation into these scam centers, and the raids conducted in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chon Buri provinces expanded to include houses in Bang Na, Prawet, Saphan Sung districts (Bangkok), Bang Phli district (Samut Prakan), and Bang Lamung district (Chon Buri). During these operations, luxury vehicles and approximately 27 million baht in cash were seized as evidence.
Investigations have revealed Kok An’s awareness and involvement in organizing, assisting, inciting, or facilitating the criminal activities carried out in his properties by a transnational criminal organization. Kok An is also alleged to be a close confidant of former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, adding a political dimension to his influence and operations.
Authorities also suspect Kok An’s daughter, Juree Khlongkijjakol, of involvement. She holds a Thai ID card but is currently in Taiwan and avoided arrest during the raids.
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong dismissed the idea that the arrest warrant was a form of retaliation against Cambodia, stating that the prosecution was based purely on evidence. The ongoing bilateral territorial dispute was mentioned in relation to the investigation, but Minister Tawee Sodsong emphasized that the warrant was issued independently.
This crackdown by Thailand’s CCIB is part of a larger effort, authorized by a June 2025 order, to dismantle transnational criminal networks behind cyber fraud and money laundering in the region. The ongoing investigations involve multi-location raids, asset seizures, and formal arrest warrants, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against Kok An.
- The investigation into the transnational scam centers, led by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), has uncovered that the casino-games and general-news sections in some of Kok An's properties, such as the 18-storey building, the 25-storey building, the HI-SO building, and the Crown Casino Resort complex, have been used as bait to lure unsuspecting victims into money-laundering schemes.
- As the criminal investigation continues, authorities have broadened their focus to include Kok An's close associates, with crime-and-justice implications. For instance, Kok An's daughter, Juree Khlongkijjakol, who is a Thai national currently residing in Taiwan, is believed to be involved in the illicit activities and faces potential charges.
