Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday thanked Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the “decisive measures” her country has taken against fraud centres targeting Chinese from neighbouring Myanmar.
Prime Minister’s official meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing marked an important step in strengthening bilateral co-operation in combating cross-border crime. Countering call centre fraud and other criminal activities, which are on the rise, was a key issue during Thursday’s talks.
In a meeting with the Thai prime minister in Beijing, Xi said “China appreciates the resolute measures taken by Thailand to combat Internet gambling, phone and online fraud,” state broadcaster CCTV reported.
“The two sides must continue to strengthen co-operation in security, law enforcement and judicial co-operation” in order to “protect people’s lives and property,” Xi added.
Prime Minister Shinawatra, for her part, reiterated Thailand’s willingness to co-operate not only with China but also with other neighbouring countries in combating various criminal activities, including fraud and gambling. Her statement emphasises a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem that goes beyond bilateral relations.
On Wednesday, Thai authorities cut off electricity to five areas in Myanmar where fraud centres are suspected to be located. Bangkok called the fraud centres a “national security issue.”
The centres, run by criminal gangs and employing foreign victims of human trafficking forced to defraud their compatriots in an industry that analysts say is worth billions of dollars, have sprung up in Myanmar’s lawless border areas.
According to a statement from Defence Ministry spokesman Thanathip Sawangsang, 61 people released from fraud centres in Myanmar were returned to Thailand during the visit. Among them were nationals of China, Indonesia, Ethiopia and other African countries.
