On Saturday, 22nd February, Myanmar sent over 100 Chinese nationals back to their home country. The workers crossed the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 2 in Mae Sot, a Thai border town. This marks the third batch of scam workers repatriated as part of Myanmar’s ongoing crackdown.
More workers to be sent home
Myanmar plans to send hundreds of foreign nationals back to their home countries in the coming weeks. The first two groups of workers already flew out earlier this week, on Thursday and Friday. These individuals had been forced to work in scam centres across the country.
Criminal gangs operate these scam centres and exploit them. Many claim traffickers coerced them into participating in fraudulent internet schemes.
Enhanced cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar
Myanmar confirmed the return of 111 Chinese nationals on Saturday. Thai authorities assisted with their repatriation, helping the workers board their flights. Thai media captured the workers getting off buses and boarding Southern China Airlines flights. The first group of 50 departed at 10:40 AM, while the others followed later in the day.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai referred to the scam centre issue as a “complex transnational crime.” In response, Thailand tightened border controls and ordered the suspension of fuel and electricity supplies to the suspected scam hubs in Myanmar.
China’s response to the situation
Many freed workers claim that traffickers tricked them into working at the scam centres and held them against their will. However, the Chinese government continues to label them as “suspects.” Despite these claims, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun commended the “close cooperation” between China, Myanmar, and Thailand in addressing the issue.
