Thailand, February 12th, 2025 – In a significant cross-border operation, Myanmar authorities handed over 260 foreign nationals to Thai officials at the Phop Phra district in Tak province. The individuals, believed to be victims of human trafficking and online scam operations, were rescued from the town of Myawaddy, a known hotspot for organized crime along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
Kenyan man escapes scam center in Myanmar, runs over hills to Thai border
The group, comprising citizens from 20 countries, was received by a coordinated team of Thai military, police, and social welfare agencies at border checkpoint No. 28. Among the rescued victims were 138 Ethiopians, 23 Kenyans, 16 Filipinos, 15 Malaysians, 10 Chinese, and individuals from various other nations across South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The victims were reportedly lured or coerced into working for online scam syndicates operating in Myawaddy. These criminal networks often exploit vulnerable individuals, subjecting them to forced labor, abuse, and inhumane conditions. Many victims are tricked with promises of legitimate jobs, only to find themselves trapped in fraudulent call centers or other illegal operations.
The rescue operation underscores the growing issue of transnational human trafficking and cybercrime in the region, particularly in border areas where law enforcement is challenging to coordinate.
Thai authorities played a crucial role in receiving and processing the victims. The Thai military, police, and social welfare agencies worked together to ensure the victims were provided with immediate care, including medical attention, shelter, and psychological support.
🚨 Breaking: Myanmar scam gangs have released 261 people! What led to this dramatic twist in cross-border scams? Dive into the full story on @BangkokPost for all the details: https://t.co/DUoWhEANv9#BreakingNews #Myanmar #ScamAlert
— Global Anti-Scam Organization (GASO) (@globalantiscam) February 13, 2025
Thai officials have announced that they will now coordinate with the embassies of the respective countries to facilitate the safe repatriation of the victims. This process is expected to involve verifying identities, arranging travel documents, and ensuring the individuals are returned to their home countries safely.
The handover of the victims highlights the importance of international collaboration in combating human trafficking and organized crime. Myanmar’s cooperation in rescuing and transferring the victims to Thailand demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing these cross-border issues.
However, the operation also sheds light on the challenges faced by authorities in tackling the root causes of trafficking and scam operations, which often thrive in regions with weak governance, poverty, and limited law enforcement capabilities.
A spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security stated, “This rescue operation is a testament to the importance of regional cooperation in fighting human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring the victims receive the care they need and are safely reunited with their families.” However, it is estimated that another 7,000 victims are still in need of rescue.
Karen rebels give Chinese gangsters deadline to leave Myanmar
Meanwhile, a representative from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) praised the efforts of both Myanmar and Thailand, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks.
-Thailand News (TN)
+ There are no comments
Add yours