Thailand has received 260 human trafficking victims, more than half of whom are Ethiopians, from Myanmar, according to a statement by the Thai army on Thursday.
This massive repatriation comes as part of a mounting crackdown on illegal scam centres operating along the porous Thai-Myanmar border. Criminal gangs have been trafficking hundreds of thousands of people, forcing them to work in illegal online operations that generate billions annually across Southeast Asia, especially in the border regions.
The United Nations made reports that criminal networks have trafficked hundreds of thousands of individuals, forcing them into working in illegal online scam operations. These operations are a common occurrence along the Thai-Myanmar border – a hotspot known for human trafficking and forced labour.
Thai Army Identifies 20 Nationalities Among Trafficking Victims
In a statement, the Thai army revealed that after screening and verifying the nationalities of the rescued group, they identified 20 different nationalities. Among them, 138 were Ethiopians, making up the largest group.
Although illegal operations have been active for years, Thai authorities have intensified their efforts following the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing last month. Wang was lured to Thailand with the promise of an acting job but was later found and freed by Thai police in Myanmar.
Trafficking Victims Repatriated from Myanmar’s Myawaddy Area
On Wednesday, a large group of trafficking victims was seen crossing the Moei River from Myanmar’s Myawaddy area into Thailand. Thai military vehicles transported the victims as soldiers monitored the operation.
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a Myanmar rebel group operating along the Thai border, reported finding approximately 260 people from unspecified “businesses” during a search for forced labour in areas under its control.
This is coming as Thailand earlier this month, cut electricity, fuel, and internet supplies to parts of Myanmar where illegal scam compounds operate. This action reflects Bangkok’s growing concern over the impact of these scam centres on Thailand’s vital tourism sector.
The Thai-Myanmar border has become a focal point for human trafficking and illegal online operations. The recent repatriation of 260 victims highlights the ongoing crisis and the need for regional cooperation to combat these criminal networks.
