Chinese Embassy, Thai Police Rescue Four in Myanmar

Thai police, working with the Chinese Embassy and Chinese police, have rescued four Chinese nationals who were allegedly tricked into working for a call centre scam gang in Myanmar. The operation was announced on 26 May 2026 by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Deputy National Police Chief and director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre, at the National Referral Mechanism centre in Don Mueang.

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The four Chinese nationals were freed on 22 May after what Thai authorities described as close coordination between Thailand, China and Myanmar. Officials said pressure from all three countries led to the victims being released from the scam operation.

Investigators found the group had legally entered Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 May 2026. After staying at a hotel near the airport, they travelled to Tak province before crossing into Myanmar using transport arranged by a Chinese acquaintance who had persuaded them to seek business opportunities in Thailand.

According to police interviews, the four intended to travel to Chiang Mai for business purposes and each carried around 30,000 yuan and 10,000 baht in cash. Authorities noted that all travel expenses, including flights, accommodation and transport, had been paid for by the Chinese contact who organised the trip.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

The victims had reportedly warned family members before travelling that if contact was lost, police in China should be notified immediately. Thai authorities said CCTV footage, travel records and evidence collected so far do not show that the group was abducted or forcibly detained while in Thailand.

However, officials are continuing investigations under Thailand’s National Referral Mechanism process to determine whether the case involved deception, coercion or human trafficking offences. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand are observing the screening process.

Thai police said the country could not completely avoid being used as a transit route by transnational criminal networks because of regional transport links and natural border crossings. Authorities insisted, however, that law enforcement agencies had strengthened monitoring and would act on all requests for assistance from domestic and international partners.

Police also revealed they are considering action with the Department of Land Transport against ride-hailing applications and unlicensed transport operators suspected of facilitating human trafficking networks. Authorities believe illegal transport services may have been used to move victims towards border areas.

Pol Gen Thatchai said Thailand remained a safe destination for foreign tourists but warned travellers to carefully verify overseas job offers. He cautioned that people entering Thailand on tourist visas or visa exemption schemes while having all expenses paid by third parties should be alert to possible scams.

Thaitabloid reported that Thai police confirmed that investigations would continue beyond the rescue operation, with authorities in Thailand and China working together to identify recruiters, coordinators, transport providers and others linked to the network.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 27 May 2026