Thousands of Foreigners Trapped at Thai-Myanmar Border After Scam Busts

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: The Standard

 

Thousands of foreigners are stranded at the Thai-Myanmar border after a crackdown on scam centres operated by criminal gangs. This joint operation by authorities from China, Thailand, and Myanmar targeted illegal online operations, where victims were forced into online scams in unsanitary and often harrowing conditions.

 

Over recent weeks, efforts have increased to dismantle these centres along the border. Such operations are part of a wider criminal network across Southeast Asia.

 

According to the United Nations, these scams have trafficked hundreds of thousands of individuals, exploiting their vulnerabilities. In a recent raid, Thai and Cambodian police freed over 200 individuals from these illegal buildings. However, difficulties remain as thousands continue to be held by Myanmar’s armed groups.

 

Currently, the Karen National Army (KNA) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) are holding approximately 7,000 former scam workers. The authorities struggle to transfer them into Thailand due to complexities surrounding legal and diplomatic processes.

 

Another armed group, the Karen Border Guard Force, has detained about 6,500 foreigners following a crackdown on scam centres in Shwe Kokko and the Chinese-managed KK Park. Though they managed to deport 621 Chinese nationals, they have urged the Thai government to coordinate repatriation efforts for others.

 

Aid workers describe these people as being 'in limbo,' facing deteriorating conditions while awaiting rescue or repatriation. The prolonged waiting, they argue, constitutes further victimisation of already exploited individuals.

Despite calls for action, Thailand’s deputy prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed that Thailand lacks the capacity to accommodate more displaced victims. This month, the country managed to take in 260 individuals, with the majority coming from countries lacking a direct diplomatic presence in Thailand, such as Ethiopia.

 

While Thailand facilitated flights for Chinese nationals, diplomatic coordination remains key in managing the crisis. Neighbouring countries and international partners are urged to step up and collaborate closely.

 

Public interest was piqued by the rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was lured to Myanmar under false job promises and subsequently trapped in a scam centre. This case highlighted the growing issue, leading Southeast Asian countries to increase pressure on these illegal operations.

 

Efforts are ongoing, including cutting utilities to areas known for such activities. During the crackdown, financial losses suffered by victims in Thailand hit approximately 80 billion Thai Baht, according to police reports.

 

This massive figure underscores the pressing need for international cooperation in addressing these transnational crimes, ensuring victims' safe return, and preventing future trafficking, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-25

 

 

[watchcat]

10 minutes ago, webfact said:

This massive figure underscores the pressing need for international cooperation in addressing these transnational crimes, ensuring victims' safe return, and preventing future trafficking, reported

 

Didn't Thaksin "the PM" announced a couple of weeks ago that he'll get rid of all these gangs within a couple of months?

[bamnutsak]

I was wondering why no one was calling me anymore.