MAE SOT — Thai police successfully rescued five Chinese tourists who nearly fell victim to a cross-border trafficking scheme on Tuesday. The tourists, who had arranged for transportation to Pattaya, a popular beach resort, found themselves instead being driven to Mae Sot on Thailand’s border with Myanmar.
The group was intercepted at the Huai Hin Fon security checkpoint on the Mae Sot-Tak road. Officials discovered the tourists during a routine vehicle inspection, where all five were found to have valid passports. Through a Chinese interpreter, the tourists revealed they had no intention of traveling to the border area and were shocked to learn of their diverted route.
Police believe the group was likely being trafficked to Myawaddy, Myanmar, where they would have been forced to work in illegal scam call centers. Similar trafficking cases have been previously documented in the area. Following their rescue, authorities safely escorted the tourists to their intended destination in Pattaya.
Police Lieutenant General Prajuab Wongsuk, Assistant National Police Chief, was briefed on this case while visiting the area to oversee anti-trafficking operations. He also inspected a local victim identification center where other rescued trafficking victims are currently being sheltered.
‘We are implementing stricter border control measures, including AI-assisted monitoring systems, to prevent human trafficking and transnational crime,’ Lt. Gen. Prajuab stated. He emphasized the government’s commitment to combating trafficking networks, particularly those operating along the Thai-Myanmar border.
The operation involved coordination between multiple agencies, including the 3rd Army Region, Tak Immigration Office, local authorities, and international NGOs. Officials are continuing their investigation into the trafficking network responsible for this attempted crime.
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