Myanmar Scam Centers: Thousands Await Repatriation

In Mae Sot, Thailand, a significant operation targeting online scam centers has led to the detention of over 7,000 individuals from numerous countries in a Myanmar border town, awaiting repatriation. This major effort has stretched Thailand’s resources and resulted in delays, according to those assisting the detainees across the border.

The coordinated crackdown between Thailand, Myanmar, and China comes after Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent visit to Beijing. There, she assured Chinese President Xi Jinping of Thailand’s commitment to dismantling scam networks that have ensnared countless individuals.

These scams involve luring people with false promises to work in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos at scam centers, where they participate in fraudulent activities like romance scams, fake investment schemes, and illegal gambling, trapping many in conditions akin to slavery.

Officials from the three countries plan to convene next week to strategize about the crackdown’s logistics amid concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis. They aim to establish clear repatriation procedures, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Thanathip Sawangsang.

As part of its efforts, Thailand has cut utilities like electricity, internet, and gas in several Myanmar border regions known for harboring scam centers, citing national security.

Amy Miller, Southeast Asia director for Act of Mercy International, based in Mae Sot, recognizes the unprecedented scale of the release, likening the challenge to managing a humanitarian crisis. Miller acknowledges Thai authorities’ efforts but believes the situation is overwhelming.

“Managing to transfer them to Thailand, process, house, and feed them is beyond most governments’ capabilities,” she noted. “This requires the involvement of embassies and home governments. It’s truly a global issue that demands a unified response.”

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed on Tuesday that efforts are underway to expedite repatriations. “If the process is delayed and they are not managed properly, it could become problematic,” he warned, referring to the capabilities of Myanmar’s officials.

One major logistical challenge is verifying the detainees’ identities, which has slowed repatriation efforts, as shared by a diplomatic insider familiar with the situation. Over half of the 7,000 detainees are Chinese, with the remainder coming from various nations.

Recently, more than 600 Chinese nationals were repatriated within four days. Given the large volume, Thailand allows China to handle most processing upon their return, with China chartering 16 flights for repatriation.

Recently, around 260 people from 20 different countries—ranging from Ethiopia to the Philippines to Brazil—crossed into Thai custody from Myanmar as part of this crackdown. Thai officials state over 100 remain in the country, awaiting repatriation.

Mae Sot has emerged as a major hub for repatriation, with many trafficked through there into Myanmar. Along the routes leading to Mae Sot, checkpoints warn travelers of the trafficking dangers along the Myanmar border, with soldiers conducting identification checks.