5,000 Call-Centre Scam Victims to Be Repatriated to China Next Week
Repatriation Plans Underway
The Thai government has confirmed that arrangements are being made to repatriate 5,000 Chinese nationals who were victims of scam call centers in Myanmar. The repatriation process will begin next week, with plans to send back approximately 1,000 individuals each week, aiming to complete the operation within a month.
Cooperation with Embassies
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with embassy officials to facilitate the return of an additional 2,000 victims from various nationalities. The announcement followed a media briefing after the “Thailand-Myanmar-China Coordination Meeting on Combating Telecommunications Fraud,” which took place in Bangkok on Friday.
Details from the Foreign Minister
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated that the repatriation process for the 5,000 Chinese victims would start after Wednesday, with the Thai government working closely with the embassies of the other 2,000 victims to confirm their identities and organize their return. The foreign minister highlighted the positive atmosphere during the meeting, with all parties agreeing on the importance of transnational cooperation to address online scams and fraud.
International Support and Funding
To expedite the repatriation, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is negotiating with international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration, to secure necessary support and funding for the operation. Both Thailand and Myanmar face budgetary limitations, which may impact the timeline and resources needed to complete the repatriation.
Trilateral Cooperation and Law Enforcement Collaboration
The meeting, chaired by Minister Maris, included Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Myanmar’s Deputy Union Minister of Home Affairs, and Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of Public Security of China. Senior officials from Thailand’s National Security Council, Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Finance were also present.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts in tackling telecommunication fraud and protecting citizens across the region. The three countries agreed to enhance law enforcement cooperation and information sharing through an expanded coordination mechanism, aiming to combat criminal syndicates more effectively.
Voluntary Repatriation Process
The meeting also addressed the voluntary repatriation of Chinese nationals from Myanmar via Thailand, agreeing that the process should be well-planned and conducted in an orderly manner to avoid disrupting the local population in border areas.
Regional Efforts to Combat Transnational Crime
Thailand emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in addressing transboundary crimes, especially telecom fraud and online scams. Over the past year, Thailand has proposed closer cooperation with China, Myanmar, and neighboring countries, particularly in high-level talks like the 9th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
The trilateral meeting represents ongoing efforts to establish a clear framework for cooperation, with a shared goal of protecting citizens and maintaining regional security.
