In a significant development, eighty-four Indonesian nationals who were victims of scam operations in Myanmar have been successfully transported to the Thai border city of Mae Sot. This movement is part of an ongoing repatriation drive initiated by Thailand, Myanmar, and China to combat such illegal activities.
The Indonesian nationals arrived in two buses escorted by police, crossing the Second Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. At the checkpoint, they underwent health checks and identity verification processes. These individuals were among the larger group of over 7,000 people held in Myawaddy, a town located on the Myanmar border.
Authorities believe many individuals were enticed to work in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos through deceit, ultimately finding themselves in exploitative conditions. The scams range from false romantic relationships to fraudulent investment schemes and unauthorized gambling operations.
The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry, last week, announced their coordinated efforts to repatriate about 270 citizens trapped in Myanmar’s scam centers. Judha Nugraha, who oversees Indonesian citizen protection at the ministry, confirmed that these 84 citizens are expected to travel back to Jakarta on the following day via commercial flights. However, the reason for only repatriating this specific group was not immediately detailed.
Nugraha stated that around 6,800 Indonesians have been manipulated into employment scams, resulting in their involvement in online gambling and fake investment operations across Myanmar and other countries over recent years.
This crackdown and repatriation mission gained momentum after Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent diplomatic visit to Beijing, where she discussed the ongoing issue with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Consequently, Thailand has severed essential services such as electricity, internet, and gas in specific border areas in Myanmar to weaken the networks of these scam operations.
In parallel efforts, over 600 Chinese citizens were returned to their homeland last week via special flights under arrangements largely managed by Beijing due to the overwhelming number of individuals involved.
Earlier this month, more than 260 people from diverse countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, and the Philippines, transferred into Thai custody after crossing from Myanmar. Many have since returned to their countries, while over 100 remain in Thailand awaiting further arrangements.
Thai officials acknowledge the unprecedented challenge this repatriation effort presents, straining national resources and resulting in delays for those seeking to return home. In response, authorities from Thailand, Myanmar, and China are anticipated to convene soon to streamline the process and address growing concerns over a potential humanitarian crisis along the border.
