In Mae Sot, Thailand, a significant drive to dismantle online scam rings has resulted in the detention of over 7,000 individuals worldwide in a Myanmar border town, all awaiting repatriation. This unexpected influx is putting a strain on the resources of Thailand, just across the border, causing delays in the process.
The crackdown is a collaborative effort between Thailand, Myanmar, and China, following Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent visit to Beijing. During her visit, she pledged to Chinese leader Xi Jinping that Thailand would take decisive action against scam networks that have deceived hundreds of thousands globally.
Many individuals are recruited under false pretenses to work in scam centers located in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, where they engage in financially exploitive activities, such as fake romantic schemes, fraudulent investment pitches, and illegal gambling.
Next week, officials from Thailand, Myanmar, and China are expected to convene to discuss the logistical aspects of this crackdown amid growing concerns of a humanitarian crisis. They aim to create a framework for repatriations to avoid misunderstandings, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Thanathip Sawangsang.
In line with these efforts, Thailand has terminated electricity, internet, and gas services to several border areas in Myanmar housing scam centers, citing national security concerns.
Amy Miller, the Southeast Asia director for Acts of Mercy International based in Mae Sot, remarked that she has never witnessed such a large-scale release of potential human trafficking victims. Despite the challenges, she believes Thai authorities are doing their utmost.
“The ability to move these individuals to Thailand, process, house, and feed them is a daunting task, even for robust governments,” she stated. “It necessitates the involvement of embassies and home governments of the affected citizens. A global response is truly needed.”
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, acknowledged the concerns on Tuesday, stating that relevant agencies are rapidly addressing the situation to organize repatriations.
“I’m worried about a potential issue if the process isn’t expedited and Myanmar authorities can’t manage it,” Phumtham mentioned to reporters in Bangkok.
Challenges, including verifying identities, have complicated and delayed repatriation efforts, said a diplomatic source who wished to remain anonymous.
Of those detained, over half are Chinese, while the remainder hail from various countries. More than 600 Chinese individuals were repatriated over four days last week, with China managing most processing for their return, chartering 16 flights from Thailand.
Earlier this month, approximately 260 people from 20 countries, spanning from Ethiopia to Brazil and the Philippines, were transferred from Myanmar to Thai custody as part of the effort. Currently, over 100 remain in Thailand, pending repatriation, according to Thai officials.
Mae Sot, now a hub of repatriation activities, serves as a warning site with checkpoints between Thailand and the Myanmar border. Signage in Thai, English, and Chinese cautions both locals and foreigners about the dangers of being trafficked across the border. On Wednesday, soldiers conducted vehicle checks and requested identification from travelers.
