Myanmar Repatriates Over 100 Scam Centre Workers via Thailand

In a significant crackdown on illegal internet scam operations, Myanmar handed over a group of 111 Chinese nationals to Thai authorities on Saturday at the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 2 near Mae Sot. This group is part of a broader operation expected to repatriate hundreds of foreigners who have been operating in scam compounds across Myanmar, where criminal gangs force them into prolonged internet fraud schemes.

The workers, many of whom allege that they were trafficked and coerced into swindling people worldwide, began their journey back home after being processed on the border. Live coverage from a Thai media outlet captured scenes of individuals leaving double-decker coaches and boarding a Southern China Airlines flight, echoing similar scenes from previous repatriation flights on Thursday and Friday.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai highlighted the challenge of dismantling these scam hubs, describing them as part of a complex, transnational crime network. In response, Thai authorities have taken steps to cut essential services like fuel and electricity to the suspected scam hubs in Myanmar while strengthening border controls.

Meanwhile, Chinese officials have commended the collaborative efforts between China, Myanmar, and Thailand in addressing the issue, despite differing perspectives on the status of those released from the scam centres. While many of the freed individuals claim they were duped into the operations and held against their will, Chinese state media and government officials refer to them as suspects involved in the scam activities.