SA KAEO — A Thai transwoman caused a scene at the Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint on June 18 after being arrested with her boyfriend for illegally crossing from Cambodia into Thailand. She claimed they were victims of deception by a call centre scam gang and pleaded with reporters for help, fearing retribution if deported.
Immigration officers arrested the couple in Aranyaprathet district after they entered Thailand despite the border being officially closed due to a land dispute. The pair lacked valid travel documents and were informed of pending legal consequences and questioning related to a known scam network.
The transwoman broke down, saying, “I was deceived into travelling to Cambodia. I had to shave my hair to be released by the gang. Normally, I have long hair. I’m beautiful, but I had to look like a bald man.” She tossed her wig to the ground in frustration and begged for media attention.
She explained that she and her boyfriend left Chiang Rai on June 15 for what they believed was a legitimate job. The recruiter claimed the position in Cambodia was unrelated to scams. However, upon arrival, they were confined in a heavily guarded building and told to work as scammers.
In a desperate bid to escape, the transwoman shaved her head and falsely claimed to have terminal cancer. The gang eventually let them go, and the pair fled to the Thai side of the border.
Now in Thai custody, they said they preferred to face prison in Thailand over being held captive by criminals abroad.
