Lao authorities visited the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone on 30 April as part of efforts to tighten enforcement and dismantle telecom scam networks.
Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany called for stronger organisation, improved capacity, and continued training to sustain progress and prevent scam networks from re-establishing.
The visit came just days after Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone ordered a nationwide crackdown on online fraud, directing agencies to intensify enforcement and strengthen monitoring of cybercrime on 27 to 28 April.
He described the fight against online scams as a top government priority, citing rising threats to public finances, social stability, and confidence in Laos’ digital economy.
Golden Triangle a Key Focus of Crackdown
The Golden Triangle SEZ in Bokeo Province has been a major focus of enforcement efforts in recent years, with authorities carrying out repeated operations against suspected scam networks.
Since 2023, nearly 2,800 suspects from 27 nationalities have been arrested in connection with telecommunications fraud and related crimes in the zone.
In one major operation in August 2024, security forces detained 771 suspects from 15 Asian and African countries and seized hundreds of computers and nearly 1,900 mobile phones linked to a transnational scam ring.
Beyond that, authorities have also increased inspections to tighten control over activities in the zone. An operation in December 2025, covering 475 buildings found no online gaming operations. Officials say monitoring will continue as part of efforts to maintain security and support lawful business activity.


