Pictures courtesy of MGR

 

Myanmar military forces and Border Guard Force (BGF) units launched a major raid on Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy, causing widespread panic among foreign workers linked to revived Chinese-run scam operations. The operation began around 01:00 on 18 November 2025, prompting hundreds of Chinese and other foreign nationals to flee from several hotels as troops sealed off key buildings. Many attempted to reach the Thai–Myanmar border in fear of arrest, creating chaos across the city.

 

The raid targeted the Chang Thui U Ye Hotel, the Chai Fu Guang Chai Hotel and several other locations associated with Yatai International Holding Group in the Shwe Kokko “new city”. The area sits opposite Wang Pha village in Mae Ramat district and Wang Kaew in Mae Sot district in Thailand’s Tak province, long known as a centre for online fraud activities. Authorities said the renewed presence of call-centre and scam syndicates had resurfaced months after an earlier crackdown.

 

Shwe Kokko has been a focal point of transnational criminal activity, despite BGF claims that call-centre operations were eliminated since a major sweep in March 2025. The latest raid followed growing pressure from the Myanmar military on the BGF to act against revived scam networks. As soldiers blocked all natural border crossings and cargo ports, fleeing workers were unable to cross into Thailand and were eventually rounded up and taken back to their accommodation.

 

Earlier, Myanmar forces had stormed KK Park, another scam hub opposite Mae Sot, forcing more than 2,000 foreign nationals to flee into Thailand. The renewed operation in Shwe Kokko marks an expansion of that crackdown, with Thai authorities expecting further mass crossings into Tak province if the situation worsens. Military units have now sealed off all major access points in Shwe Kokko to prevent further escapes.

 

Manager online reported that later on 18 November, an Indian military aircraft is expected to evacuate more Indian nationals who fled from KK Park. Officials in Tak province are preparing for the possibility that thousands more foreign workers may attempt to cross the border if raids continue. Myanmar forces have temporarily stabilised the situation in Shwe Kokko, but the long-term outcome of the crackdown remains uncertain.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A joint Myanmar military and BGF raid in Shwe Kokko caused mass panic among foreign workers linked to revived scam operations.

• Troops blocked all natural border routes, preventing escapes and rounding up fleeing workers after several hotels were raided.

• Authorities expect potential mass crossings into Tak province as Myanmar expands its crackdown on scam hubs, including KK Park.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from MGRonline 2025-11-19

 

 

 

 

UPDATE
Foreign Nationals Flee Myanmar Scam Crackdown, 39 Detained in Thailand

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Thai authorities have detained 39 foreign nationals who fled across the Myanmar border following a crackdown on scammers in Shwe Kokko. The arrests took place on 19 November 2025 in the Tha Art area of Mae Sot district, Tak province. The group consisted of 34 men and five women.

 

The operation followed recent actions by Myanmar authorities and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) in Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy township, Kayin state. Soldiers and police reportedly targeted scam networks and secured areas populated by foreign scammers. The crackdown caused panic among foreign residents, prompting them to flee across the Moei River into Thailand.

 

Among those detained, the nationalities were: Pakistan (12, 11 men, 1 woman), India (2 men), Nepal (2 men), Uganda (3 men), South Sudan (1 man), Kenya (12, 9 men, 3 women), Egypt (1 man), Vietnam (3, 2 men, 1 woman), Kazakhstan (1 man), Burundi (1 man), and Rwanda (1 man). Thai forces handed all 39 individuals to the Tak Provincial Immigration Office for legal processing. They face charges for illegally entering the Kingdom.

 

Matichon reported that authorities said the operation demonstrates Thailand’s border vigilance amid regional instability. Security officials continue to monitor the area for further crossings. The situation highlights ongoing concerns over cross-border migration linked to criminal networks in Myanmar.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• 39 foreign nationals were detained in Mae Sot after fleeing Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko scam crackdown.

• Nationalities included Pakistan, India, Nepal, Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Burundi and Rwanda.

• All detainees were transferred to Tak Provincial Immigration for legal proceedings.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon  2025-11-20