Foreign Victims of Myanmar Scam Centres Listed, Thailand Assists with Repatriation

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Picture courtesy: Thai PBS

 

In a humanitarian operation with international implications, the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) in Myanmar has compiled a comprehensive list of 7,141 foreign nationals rescued from notorious scam call centres in the Shwe Kokko and KK Park regions of Myawaddy township.

 

This list has been handed over to Thailand’s Ratchamanu Task Force, marking a crucial step in the safe repatriation of these individuals to their respective countries.

 

These centres have been operating under a veil of criminal activities, coercing individuals into fraudulent operations.

 

The people freed from these centres come from 28 different nations and include 6,716 men and 425 women. An overwhelming number hail from China, with 4,860 citizens listed.

 

Other affected countries include Vietnam, India, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, among others, illustrating the wide reach of these illicit networks.

 

Of notable importance is China’s active involvement in the repatriation process. Chinese authorities have coordinated with Myanmar and Thailand to bring their citizens home safely.

 

Following a successful initial repatriation of 621 Chinese nationals by air last week, a second operation is underway. Chartered flights are poised to transport another 900 Chinese citizens from Mae Sot airport in Thailand back to China.

 

The bulk of the repatriated individuals were released into Thailand after being apprehended at the Myanmar border.

 

From there, Thailand has facilitated further travel, exemplifying a compassionate and strategic approach to international cooperation in dealing with such transnational issues. Lists of rescued nationals have also been forwarded to respective embassies to expedite the diplomatic process.

 

In a closer look at those still remaining in Thailand, 159 individuals await repatriation.

 

This group includes 138 Ethiopians, 15 Malaysians, and six Ugandans, all of whom are currently in Thailand’s Tak province, at Phop Phra district, following a move on February 12th.

 

This operation underscores the growing global need for cooperation between nations to dismantle criminal networks and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking and forced labour.

 

While efforts continue to assist those affected and bring them home, the focus on diplomatic channels seems crucial for ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns.

 

The implications of this operation stretch beyond the immediate return of these individuals. It calls into sharp focus the necessity of stricter international regulations and collaborative enforcement measures to combat such exploitative practices and ensure safety and justice for victims, reported Thai PBS.

List of the foreign nationals who were rescued from scam centres in Myanmar:

 

1. China - 4,860

2. Vietnam - 572

3. India - 526

4. Ethiopia - 430

5. Indonesia - 238

6. Philippines - 127

7. Pakistan - 78

8. Malaysia - 70

9. Kenya - 64

10. Taiwan - 25

11. Nepal - 17

12. South Africa - 17

13. Uganda - 13

14. Unspecified - 9

15. Sri Lanka - 8

16. Uzbekistan - 8

17. Nigeria - 7

18. Ghana - 6

19. Bangladesh - 6

20. Cameroon - 6

21. Namibia - 4

22. Rwanda - 4

23. Tunisia - 3

24. Chad - 2

25. Laos - 1

26. Romania - 1

27. Algeria - 1

28. Singapore - 1

 

-- 2025-02-27