KANCHANABURI — A sweeping crackdown by Thai authorities has forced Chinese scammer networks to abandon their operations in Myanmar’s border town of Phaya Tong Su, while thousands of trafficking victims are poised for liberation in what officials describe as one of the largest rescue operations in the region.
The mass exodus comes after Thailand implemented aggressive measures on February 5, cutting off electricity, fuel, and internet connections to the border area. Property owners report their high-paying Chinese tenants have terminated leases and hastily removed equipment from compounds that once housed hundreds of operators.
“We have confirmation that approximately 7,000 international victims are awaiting repatriation,” Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said. “We’re coordinating with embassies from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia to arrange direct evacuation flights.”
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), which controls the area, has set a February 28 deadline for remaining Chinese operators to leave Phaya Tong Su. The group has already facilitated the release of 321 victims, with 260 freed on February 12 following an initial group of 61 on February 6.
The impact is visible throughout the border town, where over 200 Chinese-operated businesses – including restaurants, barbershops, and gaming centers that served as fronts for scammer operations – now stand empty. Local landlords, who previously earned between 200,000 to 800,000 baht monthly from Chinese tenants, confirm the operations have relocated approximately 10 kilometers away from their original base.
In a related breakthrough, Thai authorities announced the capture of gang leaders responsible for trafficking a Chinese actor Wang Xing into call center operations. Chinese officials have expressed gratitude for Thailand’s effective approach and are preparing to repatriate their citizens who fell victim to trafficking schemes.
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