(THAILAND) Thailand has revoked the Thai citizenship of Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Lee Yong Phat, citing links to scam networks, money laundering, and human trafficking tied to operations in Cambodia. The citizenship revocation order, signed in October 2025 by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in his concurrent role as Interior Minister, followed findings from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department.
Authorities concluded that Lee’s conduct threatened national security and public order and that keeping him as a Thai national could cause serious harm to the public. Officials said the decision rested on several points: Lee retained Cambodian citizenship after naturalizing in Thailand; he has been implicated in cross-border scam networks; and he has faced sanctions and asset actions by the United States 🇺🇸 for involvement in human trafficking and cyber fraud operations centered in Cambodia. Thai investigators described a pattern of activity that, in the government’s view, directly undermined public peace and “good morals” referenced in the Thai Nationality Act.
Legal grounds and decision timeline
The order referenced the Nationality Act’s national security clause, which allows Thai authorities to strip citizenship from a naturalized person if their actions pose a danger to the country or the public. According to senior officials, the evidence gathered by Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Foreign Ministry was sufficient to meet that standard. The Interior Minister’s sign-off made the decision final under Thai administrative procedure.
In parallel with the revocation, AMLO froze domestic assets connected to Lee. Authorities confirmed that more than 70 million baht in Thailand-linked assets were placed under restraint pending further legal action. Investigators said the seizures marked a step in closing financial channels used by cross-border criminal groups, adding that the move confirms earlier warnings about Cambodian networks trying to enter Thailand’s financial system through fronts and proxies.
This decision comes amid a broader regional push to shut down cyber scam compounds, forced labor rings, and laundering hubs. Officials say these schemes often recruit or traffic workers through false job offers, then force them to run online fraud operations. Policymakers are presenting Lee’s citizenship revocation as a symbol of a harder line on transnational crime and a warning to other dual nationals tied to similar activities.
Regional crackdown and cross-border implications
Lee is widely known for close ties to Cambodian political elites, including longtime figures in Phnom Penh. He has also been on a U.S. sanctions list related to alleged human trafficking and cyber scam operations in Cambodia. Thai authorities emphasized that this action aligns with regional and international efforts to dismantle coordinated criminal enterprises operating from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, which they say frequently target victims in Thailand and abroad.
The political fallout inside Thailand has been sharp:
- Ministerial resignations have already occurred.
- There is talk of a no-confidence bid against the interim government.
- Lawmakers from various parties are calling for further investigations into Thai politicians, police, and business leaders who may have enabled these networks.
Opposition members argue the Lee case should trigger deeper scrutiny of corrupt protection rackets that allow organized crime to thrive.
Beyond Lee, Thai investigators say they are pursuing leads tied to other figures allegedly linked to large-scale scam and laundering syndicates across Southeast Asia. Names mentioned by law enforcement include regional business leaders with influence in real estate, casinos, logistics, and telecoms. Officials have signaled inquiries related to Chen Zhi’s business interests, focusing on whether Thai financial channels or Thai-based entities played a role in laundering proceeds. Authorities stressed these reviews are ongoing and will proceed case by case.
Human impact and victim assistance
For families and workers affected by these crime hubs, the consequences are deeply personal. Victims include job seekers lured across borders with promises of steady pay; many report confiscated passports, forced work, and threats.
- Thai social workers and rights groups are urging faster cross-border cooperation to locate survivors, verify identities, and arrange safe returns.
- Police say they are coordinating with international partners to shut down recruitment lines and identify recruiters using Thai social media and messaging apps.
Regional partners have exchanged more data on suspected recruiters and discussed steps to help rescued workers secure travel documents and safe placements back home. The stated aim is to attack every link in the chain—from trafficking routes and scam compounds to payment rails and money mules.
Financial enforcement and compliance guidance
AMLO officials say they are reviewing additional asset freezes and are prepared to recommend further legal steps where evidence supports them. They also cautioned banks and non-bank financial institutions to tighten due diligence on politically exposed persons and business partners with links to known risk hubs in the region.
Compliance officers were advised to watch for:
- Circular transfers
- Over-invoicing
- Shell intermediaries
- Sudden spikes in casino or e-commerce flows
These are common red flags tied to cyber scam operations.
For legitimate cross-border business, the government says there is no intent to scare off commerce. The aim is to cut the financial lifelines of criminal groups while keeping channels open for lawful trade and investment. Officials said legitimate actors should not experience disruptions beyond routine checks, provided their records and counterparties withstand scrutiny.
Legal process, precedent, and next steps
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the revocation signals a shift in how Thailand approaches nationality in cases involving transnational crime. When naturalized status appears to shield powerful individuals tied to criminal economies, authorities are now more likely to test the limits of the Nationality Act to protect the public.
- Such revocations are rare but carry a strong deterrent message.
- AMLO has warned banks and financial institutions to increase scrutiny and compliance efforts.
- Each case will hinge on documented conduct, not national origin, and due process—including administrative review and court oversight—remains available.
The Interior Ministry has not announced new revocation cases, but it has said dual nationals involved in crimes that endanger security or public order could face similar consequences. Public attention is now focused on whether further citizenship reviews will follow.
International cooperation and public guidance
As Thai agencies continue their work, international cooperation remains central. Expected measures include:
- Expanded cross-border evidence sharing.
- Extradition requests where appropriate.
- Joint financial tracing operations.
Authorities advised the public to be alert to online job scams and investment pitches, report suspicious activity, and verify offers before sending documents or money. AMLO maintains public guidance and contact points for reporting suspected laundering and fraud. For official updates on Thailand’s financial crime enforcement, see the government’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).
The citizenship revocation of Lee Yong Phat, combined with asset restraints, marks one of Thailand’s strongest moves yet against cross-border scam networks, and signals that senior figures tied to these crimes will face consequences within Thailand’s legal system.
Officials expect legal proceedings linked to the case to continue.
This Article in a Nutshell
In October 2025 Thailand revoked the citizenship of Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Lee Yong Phat, citing evidence from the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Foreign Ministry linking him to cross-border scam networks, money laundering and human trafficking centered in Cambodia. The Interior Minister invoked the Nationality Act’s national security clause, declaring Lee’s continued Thai nationality a threat to public order. AMLO froze more than 70 million baht in Thailand-linked assets as authorities pursue financial restraints and possible prosecutions. Officials framed the move as part of a regional crackdown on cyber scam compounds and laundering hubs, warning banks to strengthen due diligence and signaling potential further reviews of dual nationals tied to such activities.
