Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Hundreds of foreign nationals have crossed into Thailand’s Tak Province after Myanmar’s military launched an intense crackdown on scam operations at the notorious “KK Park” compound in Myawaddy township, Karen State. Thai authorities have detained more than 670 people who fled across the border into Mae Sot District, many reportedly escaping violent raids by Myanmar troops. Two of the detained individuals were found carrying large sums of Thai banknotes totalling over three million baht.

 

The mass crossings occurred overnight on 23 October, following Myanmar’s renewed efforts to eliminate online fraud networks operating within its territory. The compound, located opposite Ban Mae Ku Tha Sung in Mae Ku Subdistrict, was a known hub for large-scale scam activities involving Chinese nationals. With military operations intensifying, hundreds of people fled the area, entering Thailand through natural border channels.

 

Thai security officials have moved the detainees to temporary holding centres near the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot to facilitate screening and identification procedures under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). Biometric data is being collected, and those involved will be recorded on immigration watchlists before legal proceedings begin.

 

Among the group, police identified two Chinese suspects, Mr. Lu Youhang, aged 33 and Mr. Chen Renhe, aged 59, who were found carrying 2,626,850 baht and 564,990 baht respectively, hidden in bags. Both men were charged with illegal entry and bringing currency exceeding 500,000 baht into Thailand without declaration to customs officers. Six other Chinese nationals carrying smaller amounts, around 300,000 baht in total, were charged with illegal entry and handed over to immigration police for deportation.

 

Authorities in Mae Sot report that more than 500 foreign nationals are now being housed at four temporary shelters, with the number expected to rise. Thai officials are coordinating with Myanmar counterparts and relevant agencies to verify identities and determine potential links to scam syndicates. Officials say all detainees will be processed in accordance with Thai law before repatriation.

 

The incident highlights ongoing cross-border challenges linked to transnational criminal networks operating along the Thai-Myanmar frontier. Local security units remain on alert amid concerns that further groups may attempt to cross as Myanmar’s crackdown continues.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Over 670 foreign nationals fled Myanmar’s KK Park scam hub and entered Thailand’s Mae Sot District.

• Two suspects were charged with smuggling nearly four million baht in undeclared Thai currency.

• Thai authorities are screening all detainees before legal processing and repatriation.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews  2025-10-24

 

 

 

 

UPDATE
Over 800 Foreign Nationals Flee to Thailand After Myanmar Raids Scam Compound

 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

More than 800 foreign nationals have fled into Thailand following a major crackdown by Myanmar’s military on a cyber scam compound in Karen State. The mass crossing took place at the Thai-Myanmar border near Mae Sot, Tak Province, where Thai authorities have established four temporary shelters now nearing full capacity. Officials expect the number of arrivals to continue rising as operations continue across the border.

 

The raids targeted the notorious “KK Park” compound in Myawaddy township, opposite Ban Mae Ku Tha Sung in Mae Ku Subdistrict, Mae Sot District. The compound, long linked to transnational scam networks, was stormed by Myanmar’s military earlier this week. According to state media reports, more than 2,000 people were detained in Myanmar and dozens of Starlink satellite internet terminals were seized during the operation.

 

Police Lieutenant General Choengron Rimpadee, spokesperson for Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, said over 800 foreign nationals are being detained in Tak Province. Immigration and security agencies are jointly conducting screenings using mobile biometric systems and patrol vehicles equipped with fingerprint scanners to verify identities, travel histories and criminal backgrounds. He stressed that all legal proceedings will be strictly enforced.

 

Initial screening has found many of the detainees are Chinese nationals aged between 20 and 45, many without passports. Biometric checks revealed that some individuals are flagged with criminal records or international arrest warrants. Other detainees include Vietnamese, Indonesian, Pakistani and Filipino nationals, all of whom remain in custody while investigations continue.

 

The KK Park compound is one of several centres in Southeast Asia known for luring foreign workers with fake job offers before detaining them and forcing them into online scam operations. The issue has gained international attention, particularly after the United States and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions last week on key organisers of a major Cambodian cyber fraud network. The group’s alleged ringleader was also indicted by a federal court in New York.

 

Authorities in Thailand and Myanmar continue to coordinate over the processing and potential repatriation of those detained. Security operations are expected to expand as both governments attempt to dismantle regional scam networks and address the humanitarian situation emerging along the border.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Over 800 foreign nationals fled to Thailand after Myanmar’s raid on the KK Park scam compound.

• Most detainees are Chinese citizens aged 20–45, many without passports.

• Thailand is screening arrivals with biometric systems as both countries coordinate further action.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod  2025-10-24

 

 

 

So, before it was 670 scammer who fled into Thailand, and now 800. Is Thailand importing scammers?

7 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

So, before it was 670 scammer who fled into Thailand, and now 800. Is Thailand importing scammers?

it is a developing, with more and more people crossing the border, hence the update.

3 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

it is a developing, with more and more people crossing the border, hence the update.

Yep, got that. My point was, why are they importing scammers? Normally, it looks like they have enough already. 😂

2 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Yep, got that. My point was, why are they importing scammers? Normally, it looks like they have enough already. 😂

Try reading the posts it is clearly stated.

 

“Thai authorities have detained more than 670 people who fled across the border into Mae Sot District, many reportedly escaping violent raids by Myanmar troops”

 

“More than 800 foreign nationals have fled into Thailand following a major crackdown by Myanmar’s military on a cyber scam compound in Karen State”

 

 

4 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Try reading the posts it is clearly stated.

 

“Thai authorities have detained more than 670 people who fled across the border into Mae Sot District, many reportedly escaping violent raids by Myanmar troops”

 

“More than 800 foreign nationals have fled into Thailand following a major crackdown by Myanmar’s military on a cyber scam compound in Karen State”

 

 

Yep, I have read all that. Still, they are in Thailand. How many of them do you think will go to court and get a sentence, compared to how many will be set free to continue with only a small fine to pay?

If that's how many they're catching, I wonder how many more are sneaking across that very porous border?

 

I used to spend weekends at a temple near 3 Pagodas and I was astounded by how easy it was to cross into Myanmar, far away from any official border crossing.

 

17 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Yep, I have read all that. Still, they are in Thailand. How many of them do you think will go to court and get a sentence, compared to how many will be set free to continue with only a small fine to pay?

I agree.... I also find it very difficult to believe that nothing about Thais are mentioned in the OP. It is as if they are trying to keep Thais out of it and keep Thailand innocent to the scam call centers there. 

UPDATE
Over 1,000 Suspected Scammers Flee Myanmar Raid into Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

More than 1,000 foreigners suspected of working in online scam operations have fled across the border from Myanmar into Thailand following a major military crackdown at the KK Park compound in Myawaddy, Karen State. As of 10:00 on the morning, of 24 October, Thai officials confirmed that 1,049 people had crossed into Mae Sot District in Tak Province, with the number continuing to increase by the hour.

 

The influx has turned Mae Sot into a key processing point as Thai authorities coordinate screening and security checks on the arrivals. Most of those fleeing are believed to have worked at KK Park, a notorious scam compound near the Thai border that has long been under investigation for human trafficking and cybercrime activities.

 

The latest exodus follows a large-scale military raid in Myawaddy, targeting criminal operations linked to transnational fraud networks. Myanmar forces reportedly stormed the KK Park complex after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordination with neighbouring countries. Early reports suggest several scam syndicate leaders were arrested, while many workers escaped across the Moei River into Thailand to avoid detention.

 

Among those who fled, last updates reveal that Indian nationals form the largest group, numbering 399, followed by 147 Chinese citizens. Others include Vietnamese, Filipinos, Ethiopians, Pakistanis, Indonesians, Nepalis and 31 Thai nationals. Thai immigration and military officers have set up temporary shelters at Rim Moei Market in Mae Sot to screen and identify the migrants before determining repatriation or legal action.

 

Authorities have described the situation as fluid, with additional groups expected to cross as Myanmar’s crackdown continues. Thai officials are working with embassies to verify identities and coordinate returns, while local agencies ensure humanitarian assistance during the screening process. The incident has highlighted the regional reach of scam networks operating from border zones and the challenges of tackling cross-border cybercrime.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Over 1,000 suspected scammers from KK Park in Myanmar have fled to Thailand after a military raid.

• Thai officials report 1,049 people have crossed into Mae Sot, with numbers still rising.

• Authorities are screening arrivals from over eight nationalities, including 31 Thais.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod  2025-10-24

 

 

 

UPDATE
Myanmar Army Poised to Demolish KK Park Scammer Buildings

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities in Tak Province are on high alert after reports emerged that Myanmar’s military is preparing to destroy buildings at the KK Park compound in Myawaddy, directly across the border. The complex, long associated with international scam operations, could soon be targeted with explosives, prompting security officials to warn nearby Thai communities to remain vigilant. Local residents, particularly the elderly, children and those with health conditions, have been advised to stay indoors or temporarily relocate.

 

The warning came on 24 October following widespread rumours that Myanmar forces would demolish the compound, located in the Eang Kyi Myaing area of Myawaddy, Kayin State. The planned action follows a major crackdown, that forced more than 1,000 suspected scammers, most of them foreign nationals, to flee across the Moei River into Mae Sot District, Tak Province. The exodus overwhelmed Thai authorities, who have since been screening and processing the new arrivals.

 

Security units on the Thai side, including Task Force Rachamanu under the Naresuan Forces, have issued alerts to local leaders in Mae Ku Nuea, Mae Ku Luang, and other nearby villages. The instruction was to inform residents of potential loud blasts or cross-border disturbances to avoid panic. Villagers have taken mixed approaches, some families have already moved vulnerable members to relatives’ homes further inland, while others continue daily routines with increased caution.

 

The compound, once bustling with activity, appeared quiet, with only a handful of security guards visible. Witnesses noted that electricity generators were still operating, suggesting limited occupancy or remaining personnel inside.

 

Local officials continue to monitor developments closely, coordinating with Myanmar counterparts where possible. Thai security agencies remain on standby in case debris, smoke or more refugees cross into Thai territory. Authorities have not confirmed the exact time or method of the planned demolition but have emphasised the need for preparedness in border communities.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Myanmar’s military is reportedly preparing to blow up KK Park scammer buildings in Myawaddy.

• Thai security forces have warned border residents to stay alert and safeguard vulnerable individuals.

• The operation follows a major crackdown that drove over 1,000 suspected scammers into Thailand.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-10-24

 

 

 

How will the Thai authorities determine whether a person "fleeing" to Thailand is a victim of scammers or a scammer?