Worarat, a 22-year-old young woman with dreams in her eyes, found herself tangled in the daunting web of a call-center scam in Cambodia, only to narrowly escape its clutches, seeking aid from the authorities. Her tumultuous journey back to safety reads almost like a suspense novel that’s as harrowing as it is enlightening. Known to her friends simply as Bam, Worarat shared the gripping details of her misadventure, shedding light on a staggering figure—over 1,000 people, just like her, are ensnared in similar predicaments.
Her escape tale began with a desperate plea to a friend back home in Thailand, via a video call, where she beseeched them to send US$700 (about 30,000 baht)—funds she needed to buy her way back to safety. Once lured to Cambodia with the promise of a job as a call center agent, her life became a near-endless cycle of toil, from early morning until 11 p.m., each day plagued by the shadow of sinister threats. Compliance wasn’t just a demand; it was a necessity to avoid the violent persuasion of electric batons and the terrifying prospect of being reassigned or even sold to other unscrupulous employers.
The dominoes began falling on January 29th, when Somwang, aged 71 and a resident of the Mueang district in Buriram, decided it was time to ring the alarm bell. It was her granddaughter, Worarat, who had gone missing after being convinced by Kesara—known as Auy, a 29-year-old from the same locality—to cross the border to Poipet, Cambodia, for work. With her heart weighing heavy with fear and unable to contact Worarat, Somwang turned to Chalerm Phrakiat police in Buriram. This set off a chain reaction that caught the attention of high-ranking police officials like Police Major General Narongsak Promtha and Police Colonel Chusit Lorsaeng.
The story took a more hopeful turn on February 23rd. A report streamed in from Khlong Luek police in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo province. In it, we find Worarat, alongside a man hailing from Surin province, finally seeking refuge at Khlong Luek Police Station. Their plea was simple yet profound—they wanted to go home. The station offered them safety, and an investigation spearheaded by Deputy Police Chief Colonel Chusit Lorsaeng revealed even more of the daunting network she had stumbled into.
Worarat’s recount of her ordeal painted a vivid picture of deception—a job proposition at a gleaming Poipet casino with an enticing US$840 salary became a nightmare upon arrival. The “casino” turned out to be a sprawling Chinese-run call center scam over a substantial 20-rai area, employing over a thousand people from around the globe. Initially assigned the distasteful role of a “fis faen,” tasked with luring unsuspecting men, Worarat found herself reassigned again, now expected to dupe her fellow Thai citizens.
Her story took yet another dark turn when the price of resistance revealed itself. Refusing to perpetuate deceit, she was met with threats of being “sold” unless she could be persuaded to open mule bank accounts. Back in Thailand, she and her male companion were supposed to rendezvous for further instructions. Fate intervened, though, leading them to dash to the nearest police station, aided by a local good Samaritan.
Reflecting on the trials she endured—where the norm was high voltage threats, relentless shifts from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and a cloud of fear ever-present—Worarat stands resolute and recovered. She vows never to fall prey to such shadowy operations again, where humanity is exchanged for profits and lives hung in the balance of each deceitful call.
Worarat’s bold escape serves as a stark reminder of the unseen battles fought by countless others and stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, refusing to be snuffed out, even in the darkest of alleys.
Image courtesy: KhaoSod
This story is absolutely terrifying. It’s amazing that Worarat managed to escape. How are these call-center scams still this prevalent in 2025?
Unfortunately, it’s all about the money. These operations are funded by criminal networks that are hard to dismantle.
I guess you’re right, but it’s disheartening to see so many lives destroyed for greed.
Am I the only one who thinks there’s more to this story? It sounds too much like a movie plot to be real.
I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility. Human trafficking and exploitation are very real issues.
I’m not denying the issues, but the narrative seems sensationalized. Real life isn’t always this dramatic.
These stories are eye-openers, whether embellished or not. They highlight how vulnerable people can be.
This is why we need stricter international laws on human trafficking. It’s sad to hear about victims like Worarat.
But would international laws really help? Local governments can be corrupt and ignore global agreements.
Maybe not a perfect solution, but it’s a start. We should push for global accountability.
What a brave young woman! Bam’s story is a powerful reminder of human resilience.
I agree. Inspirational stories like hers can encourage others to fight back even in dire situations.
Exactly, and hopefully inspire more to help those still trapped.
How did she even manage to contact her family in such a dangerous environment? Seems like there would be more control over communication.
The fact that she could communicate might suggest lapses in their security, or maybe some employees are sympathetic.
People need to be more aware and skeptical of job offers that seem too good to be true.
As heartbreaking as this is, it’s crucial that the media keeps shedding light on these scams.
The lure of jobs abroad often blinds people to the dangers. I hope her story serves as a warning.
What happens to people like Kesara who lure others? Are they victims too or just part of the problem?
It depends. Some may be coerced or threatened into recruiting others.
And some are definitely willing participants. It’s a complex issue with no clear lines.
It’s crucial for governments to educate citizens about such scams, especially targeting younger people looking for opportunities.
I have a friend who barely escaped one of these situations. More needs to be done by both governments and communities.
Her resilience is admirable, but I’d love to hear more about how she’s doing now. Is there any follow-up?
Stories like this make me wary of international job offers. I always think twice now.
One wrong decision can lead to such horrifying experiences. I’m glad she made it out.
I just hope those running these scams are brought to justice. This can’t go on unchecked.