In Mae Sot, Thailand, a significant sweep targeting online scam networks has resulted in the detention of over 7,000 individuals from various nations in a Myanmar border town, all waiting to be sent back to their respective countries. Those assisting them report that this unprecedented figure is straining Thailand’s resources just across the border, leading to delays in the repatriation process.
Initiated as a collaborative effort involving Thailand, Myanmar, and China, the crackdown follows a visit by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Beijing. During her meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, she pledged to take action against these criminal networks. The scam operations typically ensnare people under false pretenses, drawing them to centers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, where unsuspecting individuals are exploited through fabricated romantic interests, phony investment deals, and illegal gambling operations.
Most find themselves trapped in conditions resembling modern slavery. In light of growing concerns over a potential humanitarian crisis, representatives from Thailand, Myanmar, and China are expected to convene next week to hash out the logistics of the crackdown and set guidelines for systematic repatriations, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Thanathip Sawangsang.
As part of its efforts, Thailand has suspended electricity, internet, and gas supplies to several Myanmar border areas hosting these scam operations, citing national security concerns. Amy Miller, who directs the Southeast Asia chapter of the aid group Acts of Mercy International and is based in Mae Sot, noted that she had never witnessed such a large-scale release of prospective human trafficking victims. While commending Thai authorities for trying their best, she emphasized the immense difficulty of managing the situation fully.
“The challenge of relocating them to Thailand, followed by processing, housing, and feeding them, is a monumental task for any government,” Miller remarked. “A collective response from the embassies and home countries is crucial to take responsibility for their citizens.”
Thailand’s deputy prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed his concerns regarding the situation on Tuesday. He stated that various agencies are working urgently to facilitate repatriations and warned that swift action is necessary to prevent Myanmar authorities from potentially losing control of the situation.
Complications in verifying identities have hampered efforts, slowing down the process according to an informed diplomatic source who spoke anonymously. Currently, more than half of the waiting individuals are Chinese, with the rest hailing from a diverse array of countries.
Recently, over 600 Chinese individuals were repatriated in a span of four days. Given the substantial volume, Thailand has permitted Beijing to oversee most of the return processing. China even chartered 16 flights for the task. Earlier in the month, around 260 people from 20 different countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, and the Philippines, were moved from Myanmar to Thai custody as part of this crackdown, with over 100 still awaiting return home.
Mae Sot has become a focal point for these mass repatriation efforts, with many victims having been trafficked through the town. As security measures, checkpoints along the road to Mae Sot display warnings in Thai, English, and Chinese about the risks of being trafficked to work along the Myanmar border, and soldiers regularly inspect vehicles and verify identities.
