A new crackdown on online scam centers by Thailand, Myanmar, and China has led to over 7,000 people awaiting repatriation in a Myanmar border town. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s visit to Beijing initiated the crackdown to target scam networks. These victims are often lured under false pretenses to work in scam centers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, where they exploit people worldwide through various schemes. Many find themselves trapped in virtual slavery. As fears grow about a potential humanitarian crisis, officials from the three countries are expected to meet to address the logistics of the crackdown. Thailand has cut off supplies to areas in Myanmar hosting scam centers citing national security. Amy Miller of Acts of Mercy International believes Thai authorities are overwhelmed by the scale of the situation and it requires a global response.
The crackdown has led to the repatriation of over 600 Chinese citizens and over 100 individuals from other countries, with China chartering flights to bring its citizens back. Logistical issues such as verifying identities have complicated and slowed down repatriation efforts. Mae Sot, a center of mass repatriation efforts, now sees checkpoints warning about human trafficking risks. Thailand’s deputy prime minister acknowledged concerns and stated that relevant agencies are working to coordinate repatriations as quickly as possible to avoid a systemic problem. The crackdown highlights the need for cooperation between countries to address the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in scam networks.
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