China to Fly Home 1,000 Scam Suspects Via Mae Sot

Pictures courtesy of SiamNews 

Chinese authorities have begun repatriating more than 1,000 Chinese nationals accused of working and running scam operations, following coordinated action with Thailand and Myanmar at the Thai–Myanmar border. The first group of 100 people was transferred at midday on 16 December 2568 through Mae Sot International Airport in Tak province, marking the start of a four-day operation involving 19 flights.

The suspects were moved from immigration detention facilities in Mae Sot district and transported by bus to the airport for identity checks and onward flights to China. All individuals had previously been detained by Myanmar’s military during crackdowns on scam compounds, while others were arrested after illegally crossing into Thailand and were held in multiple secure locations.

Thai authorities confirmed that all the Chinese nationals involved in this phase had completed legal procedures under Thai law before being handed over. Chinese police are set to pursue further prosecution once the suspects arrive back in China, with officials stating the cases will be handled decisively under Chinese law.

The operation follows a high-level visit on 15 December by Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China. Liu led a special task force to Mae Sot before crossing the First Mae Sot Permanent Border Checkpoint into Myawaddy, Myanmar, alongside a Thai police delegation headed by Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Phuridej, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce.

The Chinese and Thai teams held joint meetings with Myanmar officials, including Deputy Police Chief Maj Gen Min Htike Myaing, to coordinate efforts against transnational crime networks. Representatives from all three countries agreed to intensify cooperation against scam gangs operating along the border, which have been linked to widespread fraud targeting victims overseas.

Following the meetings, officials inspected major scam hubs such as KK Park and Shwe Kokko, large-scale developments built near the Thai–Myanmar border. Myanmar’s military has already demolished parts of these compounds, leading to the arrest of large numbers of Chinese scam operators who were then pushed through Thailand for repatriation.

SiamNews reported that despite this Myanmar media has reported that wealthy Chinese criminal bosses remain active, rapidly constructing new scam cities more than 20 kilometres from the Thai border. These new sites are believed to be protected by armed groups in Myanmar in exchange for financial benefits, raising concerns about the persistence of cross-border organised crime despite recent crackdowns.

Key Takeaways

• More than 1,000 Chinese scam suspects are being repatriated via Mae Sot over four days and 19 flights.

• The operation follows a 15 December, joint meeting between Chinese, Thai and Myanmar security officials.

• New scam centres are reportedly being built deeper inside Myanmar, despite recent demolitions.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Siamnews 2025-12-17