Thailand is bracing for an influx of foreign victims who have escaped the notorious call-centre scam networks in Myanmar. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced this development on Wednesday, highlighting the government’s intensified crackdown on these criminal operations.
The situation escalated when the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) transferred 261 individuals to Thai authorities for repatriation. These victims were rescued from the KK Park and Shwe Kokko entertainment complexes, known hotspots for such scams.
The group arrived in Phop Phra district of Tak province around 4:30 PM, where Thai officials promptly began screening the individuals. This process aims to verify their identities and determine their circumstances, as authorities anticipate a mix of trafficked individuals and those who may have joined the scams voluntarily.
Initially, Myanmar had only planned to send back 53 foreigners, including nationals from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Kenya and Filipinos, but the number increased to 261.However, the larger number highlights the severity of the issue and the need for coordinated international efforts to address human trafficking in the region.
Thailand is bracing for an influx of foreign victims freed from Myanmar’s infamous call-centre scam networks, following a significant government crackdown. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai made this announcement on Wednesday.
This development coincided with the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) transferring 261 individuals to Thai authorities for repatriation. The victims, who were rescued from the KK Park and Shwe Kokko entertainment complexes, arrived in Phop Phra district of Tak province around 4:30 PM.
Thai officials are set to screen these individuals before they are repatriated. This process will involve coordination with various embassies to verify each person’s status.
Authorities anticipate encountering a diverse group, including both trafficked individuals and those who may have willingly joined these operations. Initially, Myanmar intended to send only 53 foreigners, but that figure dramatically increased to 261.
The Defence Ministry later confirmed this revised number, indicating a coordinated effort to address the situation. Background checks will be conducted on all individuals before their repatriation.
Phumtham emphasized that Thailand faces significant challenges in accepting all workers released from Myanmar, especially if their home countries are unwilling to take them back.
He stated firmly, “If their native countries will not accept them, we will not receive them from Myanmar.” This policy underscores Thailand’s commitment to managing the situation responsibly.
Moreover, Phumtham indicated that Thailand will not establish refugee camps for individuals escaping from scam centers. The government is focused on finding sustainable solutions without creating long-term settlements.
In response to the situation, several countries have reached out to Thailand for assistance. Thai embassies are actively working to facilitate the repatriation process for those affected.
To prepare for a potential influx of individuals at the border, security forces have been deployed. These measures aim to ensure safety and order as the situation evolves.
Thailand is bracing for an influx of foreign victims freed from the infamous call-centre scam operations in Myanmar, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday.
His remarks were made just before the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) handed over 261 individuals to Thai officials for repatriation.
These victims, rescued from the KK Park and Shwe Kokko entertainment venues, arrived in Phop Phra district of Tak province around 4:30 PM.
Thai authorities plan to screen these individuals prior to their repatriation, working alongside embassies to verify their identities. They anticipate a mix of people who were trafficked and those who voluntarily participated.
Earlier that day, Phumtham mentioned that Myanmar’s initial count was only 53 foreigners—including nationals from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Philippines—but this number was later raised to 261.
The Defence Ministry subsequently confirmed this updated figure. The government intends to conduct background checks, with those found uninvolved in scams being repatriated within a month, while others may face legal consequences.
Phumtham emphasized that Thailand cannot accept all workers who are released, especially if their countries of origin refuse to take them back. “If their home countries do not accept them, we will not take them [from Myanmar],” he stated, adding that Thailand will not create refugee camps for those escaping scam operations.
Several nations have reached out to Thailand for help, and Thai embassies are being informed to assist with the repatriation efforts.
Moreover, security forces have been deployed along the border to handle the expected surge of individuals.
Previously, on February 6, authorities in Mae Sot district of Tak province received 61 individuals rescued from a scam facility in Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko complex.
In response to the growing issue of scam networks, Thailand has intensified its efforts by cutting off power and internet services to five critical areas along the Myanmar border.
Thailand intensifies efforts to combat scam syndicates
In response to escalating concerns, Thailand has implemented stricter measures against criminal networks by cutting off power and internet access to five critical areas along the Myanmar border, specifically targeting regions like Myawaddy and Tachileik where these syndicates are known to operate.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has severed 20.37 megawatts of electricity supply, leading to an anticipated annual revenue drop of around 600 million baht (roughly US$17 million).
However, these criminal organizations have shown resilience by utilizing privately owned generators to continue their activities.
Local communities, especially in places such as Payathongzu, have experienced significant disruptions. Reports indicate that generators were brought in just two days after the power outage and are now fully functional.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is overseeing the initiative, emphasized that national security must take precedence over economic impacts. “We can no longer appear to support or tolerate unlawful activities,” he stated.
Defence Minister Phumtham highlighted that illegal operations at the Shwe Kokko complex have seen a 40% reduction since the enforcement began.
Amid increasing international scrutiny and economic factors, this operation has gained additional urgency. China has particularly pressed Thailand to enhance its efforts against call-centre scams.
The case involving Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was reportedly forced into a scam network, has further spotlighted the issue on a global scale.
Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC) is actively monitoring the situation.
Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC) is actively observing the developments and is contemplating the possibility of applying similar restrictions to additional areas, including certain regions in Laos and Cambodia that may harbor illegal activities.
In the meantime, PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc, which is Thailand’s largest oil distributor, has suspended fuel shipments to the Myanmar border following directives from the government.
The repercussions of the crackdown are profound, with around 17,000 victims of call-center scams still stuck in Myanmar. Out of these, about 10,000 are Chinese citizens, while the remainder are from various other nations.
In Thailand, there have been over 557,000 reported cases related to scam operations, resulting in losses surpassing 86 billion baht (approximately US$2.4 billion).
To further disrupt criminal networks, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has severed internet connectivity in the affected regions.
Although attempts have been made to restore some connections, military forces have been dispatched to thwart these efforts.
As Thailand escalates its campaign against these crimes, officials are on high alert and ready to broaden sanctions if illicit activities continue.
The NSC has signaled that additional suspensions of power and resources may be enforced to exert more pressure on the scam networks operating at the borders.
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