South Korea Denies Report of Military Threat Over Scam Operations

SEOUL, South Korea (Oct. 15, 2025) — South Korea on Tuesday denied a report claiming it had threatened military action against transnational scam operations in Southeast Asia, calling the allegations inaccurate and unfounded.

The denial came in response to a front-page article published by the Bangkok Post on Oct. 15, which suggested that Seoul had warned of possible military deployment to combat scam networks in the region.

“These statements are not factual,” the South Korean Embassy in Bangkok said in a statement. “The government is making every diplomatic effort to protect its citizens.”

The article, titled “Call scam deal key to peace,” alleged that South Korea had threatened to use military force as part of efforts to dismantle scam compounds operating along the Thai-Cambodian border. South Korea clarified that its approach is rooted in diplomatic engagement and law enforcement cooperation with regional partners.

According to the Bangkok Post, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said cracking down on scam operations is a key condition in Thailand’s ongoing dialogue with Cambodia.

The report also claimed that countries including South Korea and China had urged Phnom Penh to take action against scam compounds believed to have defrauded thousands of foreign nationals.

South Korea reiterated that it remains deeply concerned about its citizens being targeted, but stressed that its response prioritizes international collaboration—not unilateral or military measures.