13-2-2025 (BANGKOK) Thailand is gearing up for a massive repatriation effort of thousands of individuals recently liberated from fraudulent operations in Myanmar, with Chinese nationals comprising the majority of victims.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that approximately 10,000 people, predominantly Chinese citizens, are awaiting processing following their rescue from notorious scam compounds. The announcement comes on the heels of an initial transfer of 261 victims to Thai authorities, marking the beginning of what officials expect to be a wave of approximately 7,000 additional releases.
The successful rescue operation follows Thailand’s strategic move to cripple criminal enterprises by implementing a blackout of electricity and internet services along the Myanmar border last week. The tactical shutdown has proved instrumental in disrupting the sophisticated criminal networks operating in the region.
Speaking to journalists in Bangkok, Phumtham emphasised that the Kingdom is not equipped to house such a substantial number of displaced individuals and has ruled out the establishment of refugee camps. “Our priority is to expedite the processing of these victims and facilitate their safe return home through proper diplomatic channels,” he stated.
Thai authorities have implemented a rigorous screening process, with each individual undergoing thorough background checks and questioning to ensure they were indeed victims rather than perpetrators of the scam operations. Officials are working closely with foreign consulates to orchestrate the mass repatriation effort.
In a related development, Thai law enforcement announced a significant breakthrough in the case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was previously held captive in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region. The ringleaders behind his abduction have been apprehended and are now facing criminal charges.
