20-11-2023 (BANGKOK) The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has called upon the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to initiate an investigation into a call centre scam that has victimized Thai nationals returning from conflict-stricken Myanmar.
DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong revealed that a group of 41 Thai citizens, repatriated from the besieged town of Laukkaing in Shan State on Saturday, is currently undergoing comprehensive background checks. Among the repatriated individuals, there is a mix of innocent victims, traffickers involved in the scam, and individuals coerced into participating in the fraudulent activities.
Mr Prasert stated that the purpose of the background checks is to distinguish between the three distinct groups. He further assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring the safety of Thai citizens amidst the ongoing conflict.
The DES has specifically requested the assistance of Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the head of the Central Investigation Bureau and chairman of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), to lead the investigation. The objective is to gather substantial evidence that can be used to expand legal actions against the suspects involved.
Additionally, Mr Prasert emphasized that the government has been closely collaborating with relevant authorities responsible for combating call centre scams. He advised Thai nationals to exercise caution when approached by foreign individuals attempting to entice them into working abroad.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of Sunday, Myanmar authorities have sent 266 Thai nationals to the Chinese border in preparation for repatriation. Once they cross the border, the Thai citizens will return to Thailand via chartered flights operated by AirAsia and Thai Lion Air from Kunming.
Reports have indicated that five individuals among the group were unwell and underwent medical examinations conducted by personnel from the Ministry of Public Health before their departure. The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kunming has also provided food and beverages to the returning individuals while coordinating flight arrangements with the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing.
Upon arrival, the repatriated individuals will undergo immigration checks conducted by the Immigration Bureau. The Royal Thai Police will subsequently screen them in adherence to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), a system designed to facilitate the sharing of information among anti-trafficking agencies regarding cases related to human trafficking or forced labor, as outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
