Sixty-one foreign nationals who were lured into Myanmar and forced to work in scam call centers were transferred to Thailand on February 6, following multiple delays. The transfer was carried out by the Border Guard Force of the ethnic Karen army, with Thai authorities receiving the individuals at the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot, Tak province.
The group comprises 39 Chinese nationals, 13 Indian nationals, five Indonesians, and one citizen each from Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Malaysia. Thai authorities have since interviewed and screened them to determine whether they were victims of human trafficking or had willingly participated in the operations. They are now set to be repatriated.
Meanwhile, in Kanchanaburi province’s Three Pagodas Pass, officials from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) discovered an internet connection between a house on the Thai side and a residence in Myanmar’s Payathonzu township. The Thai homeowner claimed the connection was set up to help his neighbor’s children access the internet. Authorities have seized the equipment and launched an investigation into potential illegal activities.
Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Phumtham Wechayachai was present in Mae Sot for the handover and also inspected the Myawaddy area, where Thailand recently cut electricity supply. He held discussions with local officials about further restrictions on electricity, fuel, and internet services to five locations in three Myanmar border townships.
