16 Thai call centre victims rescued from Myanmar traffickers
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BANGKOK – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Oct 6 that 16 Thai nationals who were allegedly tricked by scam gangs and forced to work in illegal call centres in Myanmar have been safely returned home.
The announcement follows a plea from civil society groups to the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister, urging them to help the stranded citizens held in Myawaddy. The Prime Minister subsequently tasked the Foreign Minister with leading the urgent rescue mission.
Mr Nikorndej Balankura, director-general of the Department of Information and ministry spokesman, said the Foreign Minister had instructed the Department of Consular Affairs to coordinate with the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon on Oct 5.
The operation successfully secured the release of the 16 individuals, who had been lured to the Shwe Kokko-Myawaddy area in Myanmar, directly across the border from Thailand’s Mae Sot district in Tak province.
The mission was carried out through close cooperation with the Police Attache’s Office in Yangon, the Royal Thai Police and the Naresuan Task Force.
This coordinated effort ensured the swift and safe repatriation of the group via the Mae Sot–Myawaddy permanent border checkpoint.
Upon their return, all 16 Thais were immediately entered into the National Referral Mechanism for screening as potential victims of human trafficking. Those officially identified as victims will receive protection and rehabilitation support from relevant government agencies. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
