BANGKOK (AP) — A Top-Down Effort Against Online Scams
Myanmar's borders have long been a haven for scammers, employing hundreds of thousands from Southeast Asia and beyond. The scams have cost victims worldwide tens of billions of dollars, with many people tricked into taking jobs under false pretenses and trapped in virtual slavery.
Last week, some 260 people from 20 nations crossed into Thailand after being reportedly rescued from scam centers. These rescues are part of a broader effort to address the online scam problem, with China's vice minister of public security visiting both sides of the Thai-Myanmar border ahead of expected large-scale repatriations.
Thailand and China Coordinate Crackdown on Scam Centers
In February, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra vowed to crack down on scam networks alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Just before her visit, Thailand cut off electricity, internet, and gas supplies to several areas in Myanmar along the border, citing national security and severe damage from scam operations.
The repatriations of foreign workers have been organized by the Border Guard Force in Myawaddy, a militia controlled by the Karen ethnic minority. Critics have accused it of being involved in the criminal activities, at least to the extent of providing protection to the scam centers.
Thousands Employed by Scam Networks
Thai officials estimate that up to 10,000 people may be repatriated, but only those ready to be taken back immediately will be received. An initial batch of about 600 Chinese nationals are expected to be flown back to China on chartered flights when Liu concludes his visit.
Stories of Chinese Trapped in Myanmar Hurt Thailand's Reputation
Dramatic stories of Chinese people being lured to work in Thailand only to be trafficked into a scam compound in Myanmar have spread widely on social media, causing alarm and denting Thailand's reputation.
Among those trapped was Chinese actor Wang Xing, who arrived in Thailand with the promise of getting a job but was abducted to Myanmar. He was quickly rescued after his incident circulated on social media.
A New Era for Online Scam Crackdowns
An earlier crackdown on scam centers in Myanmar began in late 2023, initiated by ethnic guerrilla groups with close ties to Beijing. The operation saw the shutdown of many operations and an estimated 45,000 Chinese nationals repatriated.
This renewed effort highlights a shift towards tackling online scams at their roots, acknowledging that these crimes can no longer be ignored or dismissed as simple cases of theft. Instead, it's about understanding the vast networks involved and working together to dismantle them.
China Takes Lead in Combating Online Scams
Video footage from Liu's visit showed hundreds of people sitting on the ground with their belongings in a large open-walled hall. The scenes underscored the scale of these operations and the urgency of addressing them.
"China is actively conducting bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in Beijing. "This is part of our joint efforts to eradicate the scourge of online gambling and telecom fraud."