An airlift operation commenced in Bangkok on Thursday, transporting over 1,000 Chinese nationals who had been employed at online scam centers in eastern Myanmar. The operation saw these workers being taken across the border into Thailand, where they were placed on chartered flights back to China. This coordinated effort involves Thailand, China, and Myanmar, aimed at dismantling the scam networks that have reportedly defrauded victims worldwide of billions through deceptive romantic schemes, fraudulent investment opportunities, and illegal gambling activities.
Estimates indicate that hundreds of thousands of individuals from Southeast Asia and beyond have been involved in such scam operations, specifically in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Many of these workers were lured with false job offers and ended up facing conditions likened to slavery. Thai officials have suggested that as many as 10,000 individuals may be repatriated from Myanmar's scam centers.
As part of the ongoing operation, 16 flights have been organized, with an average of four departures per day to facilitate the repatriation of the Chinese nationals. With a total of 1,041 individuals involved, Thailand has permitted China to manage most of their processing and investigations upon their return. The rescued workers are being transported in groups of 50 across a bridge from Myawaddy in Myanmar to Mae Sot in Thailand. This includes processing procedures such as biometric scans before they are sent to Mae Sot’s airport.
Flight tracking websites indicated that the China Southern Airlines planes were headed for Jinghong, located in the southwestern region of Yunnan province, China. Alongside this effort, Thai authorities have also been overseeing the evacuation of scam center workers from various other nations. Recent reports revealed that approximately 260 individuals from 20 different countries, including many from Africa, were also rescued and transferred to Thai custody after being liberated from similar centers in Myanmar.
Starting Sunday, Thai PBS reported that the organized repatriation of scam workers from countries other than China will commence. In response to the scandal, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had discussed measures to combat these scam networks during her recent visit to Beijing. Notably, just days before her visit, Thailand took decisive actions to cut off electricity, internet, and gas supplies to several regions in Myanmar housing these scam operations, labeling it a matter of national security while addressing the issues that have affected Thailand due to these scams.
Thailand's cooperation with China is significant, as concerns grow regarding reports of human trafficking involving scam workers being funneled through Thailand. The Thai government recognizes the potential financial implications, particularly regarding inbound Chinese tourism, which is vital to the local economy. The Border Guard Force in Myawaddy, an armed group from the Karen ethnic minority with control over the region, is managing the repatriation process of foreign workers; however, they face criticism for allegedly providing protection to the scam centers, which they strongly deny.
Earlier crackdowns on scam operations in Myanmar occurred in late 2023, following increased scrutiny and discomfort expressed by China about illegal casinos and scam activities near its northern border. Ethnic armed groups connected to Beijing intervened, leading to the shutdown of many operations alongside the repatriation of an estimated 45,000 Chinese nationals believed to be involved in these illicit activities.
