Thailand Targets Cambodian Casino Tycoon in Regulatory Push

Of these, 31,107 were reported online and 15,407 were filed directly with authorities. The total financial damage is estimated at 14.87 billion baht, with only 2% (approximately 295.8 million baht) successfully frozen in time.

The most common scams were:

• Online purchase fraud (56%)
• Money transfer scams (26%)
• Loan fraud (7%)
• Other types of deception

Authorities noted that more than 80% of Thai victims were lured by networks based in Poipet, Cambodia, not from minority-controlled areas of Myanmar as previously suspected.

In response, the CCIB launched a nationwide crackdown, dubbed “Operation Mule Account Takedown: Hunt for Cambodian Financiers,” raiding 19 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi in a coordinated effort to dismantle mule account operations and trace funding sources.

Thai authorities raided a residence in a housing estate in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where an arrest warrant had been issued for Kok An, the Cambodian casino mogul and owner of the Crown Casino Resort in Poipet.

Kok An, who controls multiple high-rise casino towers—including a 25-storey and an 18-storey building in Poipet—has been accused of running a massive call centre scam operation targeting Thai citizens. He is now wanted for involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and money laundering.

Thai police coordinated with the Criminal Court to secure the search warrant and are now working with Interpol to issue a red notice for Kok An and his network. 

Authorities are also preparing for a joint meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seek the Attorney-General’s approval for international prosecution.

Kok An is widely known not only as a powerful figure in Cambodia’s gambling sector but also for his close ties to Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. 

He is also reportedly connected to Ly Yong Phat. Both men are considered major revenue sources for the Cambodian regime.

The raid in Bang Phli—believed to be one of Kok An’s private residences—has raised suspicions about Ly Yong Phat’s own involvement. Authorities are now monitoring his Bangkok property for possible links to the scam network.

From cigarette tycoon to casino boss

Originally from Hainan, China, Kok An was raised in Phnom Penh. He first made his fortune selling cigarettes, capitalising on the high demand among Cambodians. His success enabled him to expand into the lucrative casino business, establishing Crown Casino in Poipet—one of the closest gambling hubs to Thailand. The resort's strategic location near the Thai border made it especially popular among Thai patrons, many travelling directly from Bangkok.