13-2-2025 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities yesterday received 260 foreign nationals who had been rescued from notorious scam compounds in Myanmar’s border region.
The handover, which took place at the Ban Chong Khae checkpoint in Tak Province, marked a crucial step in Thailand’s campaign to dismantle criminal networks operating in neighbouring Myanmar’s notorious border towns of KK Park and Shwe Kokko.
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army’s Goltooboh force facilitated the transfer to Thai security forces, who deployed a substantial contingent including the Rajmanu Special Task Force, Border Patrol Police, and local law enforcement. A convoy of nine lorries transported the survivors to a screening facility at Border Patrol Police Company 346.
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, speaking to reporters, outlined stringent conditions for processing the rescued individuals. “Each case will undergo thorough vetting through our National Referral Mechanism before any repatriation proceedings begin”, he said, emphasising that Thailand would not establish permanent shelter facilities that might risk enabling further trafficking.
The mass rescue comes amid Thailand’s strategic pressure campaign, which includes cutting off electricity and fuel supplies to five Myanmar border towns known for housing cybercrime operations. These sanctions will remain in place until Myanmar demonstrates concrete action against the criminal syndicates, predominantly run by Chinese nationals, according to Thai officials.
“We require firm commitments from the respective embassies before proceeding with any transfers”, Minister Wechayachai stated, addressing concerns about the repatriation process. “This is not merely about accepting survivors; it’s about ensuring their safe return home and preventing re-trafficking”.
