TAK — Security officials in Thailand’s Mae Sot district have rescued 39 foreign nationals, including Sri Lankans, who had fled across the border after being tricked into working in Myawaddy, Myanmar, by a Chinese-run call center scam gang.
In the early morning hours of November 25, Thai authorities helped 39 people who had fled fraudulent work in Myanmar and were found in the dark. Among them were 32 Sri Lankans, 5 Nepalese, 1 Malaysian and 1 Russian. The group crossed the Moei River using natural paths from Myawaddy, Myanmar, to Baan Don Chai, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand.
When the group encountered Thai military personnel, they were very relieved, smiling and visibly relaxed after their dangerous escape from Myanmar. Thai soldiers checked the group’s belongings and identity papers and found no illegal items. The authorities then provided first aid, including water and food.
The operation was led by Pol. Col. Natthakorn Rueanthip, commander of the Ratchamanu Task Force. It involved a rapid reaction force from Naresuan Forces, Tak Immigration Police, Border Patrol Police Unit 346, Mae Sot Police and Mae Sot District Administration. The joint patrol took place along the Thai-Myanmar border near Don Chai village, Moo 6, Mae Tao sub-district, Mae Sot district.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had been deceived by human traffickers to cross the Thai-Myanmar border to work at the Tai Chang project in Mya Ta Ya village, Myawaddy, Myanmar. They were forced to work under harsh conditions like slaves for a Chinese-run call center gang based in the project area opposite Chong Khaeb village in Phop Phra district, Tak province.
One Sri Lankan managed to make several distress calls to the outside world, which eventually enabled their escape from Myawaddy.
The Thai authorities, in cooperation with the Sri Lankan embassy and local security authorities in Tak, successfully rescued all 39 people. They were taken away from the border in military vehicles and handed over to the immigration authorities in Tak for further processing under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
The Tai Chang project has become a stronghold for Chinese gray market financiers and is known as a global cybercrime center that is rapidly expanding its activities. Thai authorities have intercepted such activities before, including rescuing Chinese tourists who were abducted from Pattaya.
Police General Kittirat Phanphet, chief of the National Police, ordered on November 14 the Immigration Department, Central Investigation Bureau, Provincial Police Region 6 and Border Patrol Police Command to increase patrols along the border with Tak (Mae Sot) and other border provinces. The aim is to prevent illegal border crossings and ensure proper immigration procedures.
All foreign nationals encountered in these areas, regardless of their legal status, will be questioned and interrogated in accordance with the NRM. International cooperation and information sharing will be emphasized to ensure that assistance is provided where it is needed.
The Chief Constable reiterated that combating human trafficking is an important government policy due to its significant impact on human rights. He emphasized the need for strict, continuous and effective enforcement. Should any officer be involved in misconduct or associated with such activities, decisive action will be taken.
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