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GMA Network
6 days ago
- GMA Network
Thai teen says he threw himself out window to escape Cambodia scam farm
Scam hubs sprouted across Southeast Asia during the pandemic, including this shuttered Great Wall Park compound where Cambodian authorities said they had recovered evidence of human trafficking, kidnapping and torture during raids on suspected cybercrime compounds in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia September 21, 2022. REUTERS/ Cindy Liu/ File photo BANGKOK — Lured to Cambodia, tortured and forced to defraud strangers online, a Thai teenager said he barely survived after he threw himself from an eighth-floor window last year in a desperate bid to escape one of the Southeast Asian nation's prison-like scam compounds. The 18-year-old, who asked to be identified only by the nickname Louis, told Reuters he endured brutal conditions for about a year, alongside children as young as 13, in an operation run by Chinese criminals. Trafficked workers lived like "slaves," he said, forced to work from early in the morning until midnight in buildings surrounded by high walls and barbed wire where they were subjected to brutal punishments and guarded by men with electric batons. READ: What are Southeast Asia's scam centers? The transnational scam industry emerged in Southeast Asia during the pandemic and is believed to generate billions of dollars a year for organized crime as people across the globe are defrauded of their life savings. Louis spoke to Reuters in the Thai capital of Bangkok, a day before London-based rights group Amnesty International published a report on Thursday accusing the Cambodian government of 'deliberately ignoring' human rights abuses by cybercrime gangs, allegations the Cambodian government rejected, saying the report was 'exaggerated.' Reuters was unable to independently verify Louis' account but details matched other accounts by trafficking survivors published by numerous groups including United Nations agencies. While Louis declined to share his full name, he was willing to be interviewed by Reuters TV. Louis, 18, a Thai victim of scam centers who was trafficked into working in Cambodia and escaped last year, speaks with Reuters, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 25, 2025. REUTERS/ Napat Wesshasartar A highly paid job A softly-spoken teenager, Louis said he was 17 when a woman contacted him on Facebook offering him a well-paid role, meals and accommodation after he posted that he was looking for work. She persuaded him to travel to Bangkok—the first time he had left his rural home province—but he was then told to go to the border where he was taken to one of at least 53 scam compounds in Cambodia identified by Amnesty. Louis was put to work using deepfake video software to dupe Thai women into sending money. He said he "felt pressured" and after a week he was sold to another compound near the Vietnamese border that looked 'like a prison." Escape In a room with eight Thai men and women, Louis said they were ordered to scam at least one million baht a month (about $30,000) and shocked with electric batons if they were late, rested too much, or failed to meet the quotas. Louis said he decided to escape after he was confined to a dark room. Breaking through a window, he crashed down several storeys and smashed his chin. "My mouth filled with blood, it was everywhere, and my teeth were broken. Then I passed out," he said. The bosses stripped him naked, but took him to hospital. From there he managed to get home. Louis said he wanted to tell Thai people looking for work not to go to Cambodia. 'It's for your own safety … You might never come back.' — Reuters

Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Amnesty says Cambodia is enabling brutal scam industry
FILE PHOTO: Barbed wire fences are seen outside a shuttered Great Wall Park compound where Cambodian authorities said they had recovered evidence of human trafficking, kidnapping and torture during raids on suspected cybercrime compounds in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia September 21, 2022. REUTERS/Cindy Liu/File Photo BANGKOK - Human rights group Amnesty International accused Cambodia's government on Thursday of "deliberately ignoring" abuses by cybercrime gangs who have trafficked people from across the world, including children, into slavery at brutal scam compounds. The London-based group said in a report that it had identified 53 scam centres and dozens more suspected sites across the country, including the Southeast Asian nation's capital, Phnom Penh. The prison-like compounds were ringed by high fences with razor wire, guarded by armed men and staffed by trafficking victims forced to defraud people across the globe, it said, with those inside subjected to punishments including shocks from electric batons, confinement in dark rooms, and beatings. Amnesty said its findings revealed a "pattern of state failures" that allowed the billion-dollar industry to flourish, including failures to investigate human rights abuses, identify and assist victims, and regulate security companies and tools of torture. 'Deceived, trafficked and enslaved, the survivors of these scamming compounds describe being trapped in a living nightmare – enlisted in criminal enterprises that are operating with the apparent consent of the Cambodian government,' said Amnesty International's Secretary General Agnes Callamard. Amnesty said the Cambodian government did not respond to its list of scamming compounds or suspicious locations, and that the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking shared "vague data on interventions at compounds, none of which clarified whether the state has identified, investigated or prosecuted individuals for human rights abuses other than deprivation of liberty.' The Cambodian government did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment about the report. Phnom Penh has said previously that it is tackling scam gangs and in January set up a taskforce headed by Prime Minister Hun Manet. While Cambodia has overseen raids that have freed some trafficked workers, Amnesty said it found more than two-thirds of scam compounds were either not investigated by police or had continued to operate even after police interventions. Two compounds did appear to have been shut down, the group said. During rescue efforts, police did not enter compounds but met representatives who handed over only the victim who had called for help, the group said, while some survivors were beaten by their bosses after trying to contact the police. CHILDREN TRAFFICKED Cambodia emerged during the pandemic as a hub for the global scam industry as mostly Chinese-led criminal groups repurposed unused casinos and hotels as scam centres housing as many as 100,000 people, according to the United Nations. Similar enclaves have flourished in Myanmar and Laos. The industry in Cambodia now generates more than $12.5 billion annually – half of the country's GDP, according to the United States Institute for Peace. Thailand and Cambodia have traded barbs over the scam issue in recent days as border tensions have heated up, with the Thai prime minister calling for a crackdown in Cambodia and another government official calling the country a hub for cybercrime. The criminal gangs entice trafficking victims with fake job offers posted on social media and then force them to financially exploit people online including through fake romances or 'pig-butchering' schemes in which the scammer builds trust with a victim before stealing their money, Amnesty said. Nine out of 58 survivors interviewed by Amnesty were children, the group said, including a 16-year-old boy from China who was kicked and barred from leaving. Amnesty said it had confirmed the death of a Chinese child in one compound. An 18-year-old Thai survivor told Reuters he was trafficked to a compound in Phnom Penh in 2023 and then, when he tried to leave, sold to another compound close to the Vietnamese border. The man, who asked not to be named, was forced to use deepfake video software to pose as an older attractive man to lure Thai women into handing over their money. After almost a year, he threw himself out of a window, injuring himself, and escaped after hiding in a hospital. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Omdia: LED Video Display Market Grows Steadily in 1Q25, Driven by Micro-LED Adoption and Fine Pixel Pitch Demand
LONDON, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global LED video display shipments reached 408,000 square meters and generated $1.3 billion in revenue in Q1 2025, marking year-over-year (YoY) growth of 6.2% and 4.3%, respectively, according to Omdia's latest LED Video Displays Market Tracker. This growth was driven by rising adoption across cinema, education, and corporate environments. "The first quarter of 2025 confirmed that the LED video display market is evolving beyond traditional applications," said Cindy Liu , Senior Analyst at Omdia. "With advances in pixel pitch technology and micro-LED, adoption is widening across multiple industries." Micro-LED, and mini-LED technologies continued gaining traction supported by progress in LED packaging, driver ICs and coating materials. These innovations improve brightness, energy efficiency, lifespan, HDR capabilities, and color accuracy – positioning LED displays as the premium option for cinema, retail, broadcast and control room applications. "Vendors are responding to demand for seamless and flexible LED solutions in events, exhibitions and architectural displays. For example, Unilumin's UMicro series now offers 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm pixel pitches using flip chip and ink with coating technologies to boost grayscale consistency and thermal performance," explained Liu. Fine pixel pitch (FPP) displays dominated revenues in Q1 2025, increasing by 8.1% YoY, accounting for 55.4% of the market. The 1.50–1.99mm pixel pitch category was 11.1% YoY, driven by demand for all in one (AIO) corporate, conference room displays and outdoor poster displays. These offer a balance between resolution and brightness enabling new opportunities in retail, transportation, shelter and residential area scenarios. As costs and thermal management challenges remain, FPP and micro-LED are expected to penetrate outdoor applications, including digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. This momentum is particularly visible across emerging markets. In Asia & Oceania, as well as Latin America & the Caribbean and Middle East & Africa, growth is being powered by urbanization, digital advertising expansion, smart city initiatives, and large-scale public events. In Q1 2025, Asia & Oceania recorded the highest revenue share in the FPP segment - 15.6% trailing only China and North America. In the 1.50–1.99mm pixel pitch, the region led globally with a 20.2% share surpassing North America. Government-driven smart city and infrastructure programs in India, Indonesia and Singapore are lifting demand in transportation, control room, public space and corporate verticals. Retailers are also rapidly adopting LED video displays for indoor and outdoor advertising. In the Middle East & Africa, momentum from mega events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup continues to benefit the market. High-end retail and hospitality in cities like Dubai and Doha have adopted FPP LED video displays for branding. Regional governments are also investing in smart city initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Smart Dubai which are accelerating demand for public space installations. In Latin America, the forecast remains strong due to rising DOOH advertising, upgrades in sports venues and growth in the retail and banking sectors. Preparations for Copa America and the 2030 World Cup are driving demand for LED video displays in stadiums, retail, transportation and public space verticals. Omdia continues to monitor LED video display market developments across regions and technologies, providing in-depth insights through its LED Video Displays Market Tracker. ABOUT OMDIA Omdia, part of Informa TechTarget, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets combined with our actionable insights empower organizations to make smart growth decisions. View source version on Contacts Fasiha Khan- Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Omdia: LED Video Display Market Grows Steadily in 1Q25, Driven by Micro-LED Adoption and Fine Pixel Pitch Demand
LONDON, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global LED video display shipments reached 408,000 square meters and generated $1.3 billion in revenue in Q1 2025, marking year-over-year (YoY) growth of 6.2% and 4.3%, respectively, according to Omdia's latest LED Video Displays Market Tracker. This growth was driven by rising adoption across cinema, education, and corporate environments. "The first quarter of 2025 confirmed that the LED video display market is evolving beyond traditional applications," said Cindy Liu , Senior Analyst at Omdia. "With advances in pixel pitch technology and micro-LED, adoption is widening across multiple industries." Micro-LED, and mini-LED technologies continued gaining traction supported by progress in LED packaging, driver ICs and coating materials. These innovations improve brightness, energy efficiency, lifespan, HDR capabilities, and color accuracy – positioning LED displays as the premium option for cinema, retail, broadcast and control room applications. "Vendors are responding to demand for seamless and flexible LED solutions in events, exhibitions and architectural displays. For example, Unilumin's UMicro series now offers 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm pixel pitches using flip chip and ink with coating technologies to boost grayscale consistency and thermal performance," explained Liu. Fine pixel pitch (FPP) displays dominated revenues in Q1 2025, increasing by 8.1% YoY, accounting for 55.4% of the market. The 1.50–1.99mm pixel pitch category was 11.1% YoY, driven by demand for all in one (AIO) corporate, conference room displays and outdoor poster displays. These offer a balance between resolution and brightness enabling new opportunities in retail, transportation, shelter and residential area scenarios. As costs and thermal management challenges remain, FPP and micro-LED are expected to penetrate outdoor applications, including digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. This momentum is particularly visible across emerging markets. In Asia & Oceania, as well as Latin America & the Caribbean and Middle East & Africa, growth is being powered by urbanization, digital advertising expansion, smart city initiatives, and large-scale public events. In Q1 2025, Asia & Oceania recorded the highest revenue share in the FPP segment - 15.6% trailing only China and North America. In the 1.50–1.99mm pixel pitch, the region led globally with a 20.2% share surpassing North America. Government-driven smart city and infrastructure programs in India, Indonesia and Singapore are lifting demand in transportation, control room, public space and corporate verticals. Retailers are also rapidly adopting LED video displays for indoor and outdoor advertising. In the Middle East & Africa, momentum from mega events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup continues to benefit the market. High-end retail and hospitality in cities like Dubai and Doha have adopted FPP LED video displays for branding. Regional governments are also investing in smart city initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Smart Dubai which are accelerating demand for public space installations. In Latin America, the forecast remains strong due to rising DOOH advertising, upgrades in sports venues and growth in the retail and banking sectors. Preparations for Copa America and the 2030 World Cup are driving demand for LED video displays in stadiums, retail, transportation and public space verticals. Omdia continues to monitor LED video display market developments across regions and technologies, providing in-depth insights through its LED Video Displays Market Tracker. ABOUT OMDIA Omdia, part of Informa TechTarget, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets combined with our actionable insights empower organizations to make smart growth decisions. View source version on Contacts Fasiha Khan-


Business Wire
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Omdia: LED Video Display Market Grows Steadily in 1Q25, Driven by Micro-LED Adoption and Fine Pixel Pitch Demand
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global LED video display shipments reached 408,000 square meters and generated $1.3 billion in revenue in Q1 2025, marking year-over-year (YoY) growth of 6.2% and 4.3%, respectively, according to Omdia's latest LED Video Displays Market Tracker. This growth was driven by rising adoption across cinema, education, and corporate environments. 'The first quarter of 2025 confirmed that the LED video display market is evolving beyond traditional applications,' said Cindy Liu , Senior Analyst at Omdia. 'With advances in pixel pitch technology and micro-LED, adoption is widening across multiple industries.' Micro-LED, and mini-LED technologies continued gaining traction supported by progress in LED packaging, driver ICs and coating materials. These innovations improve brightness, energy efficiency, lifespan, HDR capabilities, and color accuracy – positioning LED displays as the premium option for cinema, retail, broadcast and control room applications. 'Vendors are responding to demand for seamless and flexible LED solutions in events, exhibitions and architectural displays. For example, Unilumin's UMicro series now offers 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm pixel pitches using flip chip and ink with coating technologies to boost grayscale consistency and thermal performance,' explained Liu. Fine pixel pitch (FPP) displays dominated revenues in Q1 2025, increasing by 8.1% YoY, accounting for 55.4% of the market. The 1.50–1.99mm pixel pitch category was 11.1% YoY, driven by demand for all in one (AIO) corporate, conference room displays and outdoor poster displays. These offer a balance between resolution and brightness enabling new opportunities in retail, transportation, shelter and residential area scenarios. As costs and thermal management challenges remain, FPP and micro-LED are expected to penetrate outdoor applications, including digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. This momentum is particularly visible across emerging markets. In Asia & Oceania, as well as Latin America & the Caribbean and Middle East & Africa, growth is being powered by urbanization, digital advertising expansion, smart city initiatives, and large-scale public events. In Q1 2025, Asia & Oceania recorded the highest revenue share in the FPP segment - 15.6% trailing only China and North America. In the 1.50–1.99mm pixel pitch, the region led globally with a 20.2% share surpassing North America. Government-driven smart city and infrastructure programs in India, Indonesia and Singapore are lifting demand in transportation, control room, public space and corporate verticals. Retailers are also rapidly adopting LED video displays for indoor and outdoor advertising. In the Middle East & Africa, momentum from mega events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup continues to benefit the market. High-end retail and hospitality in cities like Dubai and Doha have adopted FPP LED video displays for branding. Regional governments are also investing in smart city initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Smart Dubai which are accelerating demand for public space installations. In Latin America, the forecast remains strong due to rising DOOH advertising, upgrades in sports venues and growth in the retail and banking sectors. Preparations for Copa America and the 2030 World Cup are driving demand for LED video displays in stadiums, retail, transportation and public space verticals. Omdia continues to monitor LED video display market developments across regions and technologies, providing in-depth insights through its LED Video Displays Market Tracker.