BANGKOK — An airlift operation commenced on Thursday to repatriate over 1,000 Chinese workers who had been involved with online fraud centers located in eastern Myanmar. These individuals were transported across the border to Thailand, where they boarded chartered flights back to their homeland.
The collaborative efforts of Thailand, China, and Myanmar have been ongoing for the past month to dismantle these fraudulent operations, which deceived victims globally, extracting billions through scams involving fake romantic interests, dishonest investment opportunities, and illegal gambling activities.
Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of individuals from Southeast Asia and other regions have taken up jobs at these centers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Many were lured into employment under misleading circumstances, only to find themselves in situations akin to virtual slavery.
Recent reports from Thai officials indicate that as many as 10,000 individuals may be repatriated from Myanmar, with many being associated with these scam operations. So far, 16 flights have been arranged, averaging about four flights daily to return the Chinese citizens. The current number of workers being repatriated stands at approximately 1,041, and Thailand is largely allowing Beijing to manage the majority of their return processes and investigations.
According to authorities, the rescued workers are being moved in groups of 50 across a bridge that connects Myanmar’s Myawaddy to Thailand’s Mae Sot. Once in Thailand, they undergo processing procedures, including biometric scans, before being transported by bus to the local airport.
At the airport, the individuals boarded flights with China Southern Airlines, which were tracked to be heading to Jinghong in the Yunnan province of southwestern China.
Thai authorities are also overseeing the evacuation of workers from other nationalities affected by the scam centers. Recently, around 260 individuals from 20 different countries, including a significant number from Africa, were transferred from Myanmar into Thai custody after being rescued from these fraudulent centers.
The organized repatriation effort for individuals from countries other than China is expected to initiate on Sunday, as reported by Thai PBS.
During her recent visit to Beijing, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured Chinese President Xi Jinping that Thailand would intensify its crackdown on these scam networks. In preparation for this visit, Thailand had already taken steps, such as cutting off electricity, internet, and gas supplies to various regions in Myanmar where these scam centers operate, citing national security and the negative impact on Thailand stemming from these illicit activities.
Thailand is keen on collaborating with China, especially in light of widespread concerns on Chinese social media regarding workers being trafficked through Thailand. The Thai administration worries that these discussions could deter Chinese tourists, who represent a significant market for inbound travel.
The repatriation efforts from Myawaddy have been facilitated by the Border Guard Force, a militia from the Karen ethnic group that has authority over that region. However, there have been allegations against this group for allegedly protecting the scam operations, which they have consistently denied.
A prior crackdown on these fraudulent centers occurred in late 2023 following China’s expressed embarrassment and concern regarding illegal gambling and scam activities near its border with Myanmar’s northern Shan state. Many operations were shut down by ethnic guerrilla groups that have close ties to Beijing, resulting in the repatriation of around 45,000 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in these operations.
