In a significant humanitarian operation, Chinese workers who were victims of exploitation in Myanmar's notorious online scam centers began their journey home via Thailand. On Thursday morning, the first group arrived at the airport in Mae Sot, Thailand. The operation involves two double-decker coaches that transported the workers across the border from Myanmar. This marked the beginning of a series of repatriations, facilitated by China's arrangement of 16 flights to return the workers safely home.
The workers, many bearing signs of severe abuse such as bruising and burns, were handed over by a local Myanmar militia. This militia aligns with Myanmar's ruling junta, which stated that the workers were freed to "safeguard the common interests of regional countries." The release follows multiple visits by China's Public Security Assistant Minister Liu Zhongyi to Bangkok and the Myanmar border area.
"The resolute crackdown on online gambling and telecom fraud is a concrete manifestation of implementing a development philosophy centred on the people," said Guo Jiakun.
Thousands of foreigners are anticipated to be repatriated from Myanmar in the coming weeks. Among them, 600 Chinese workers are expected to return over the next three days. These individuals fell victim to a burgeoning scam industry that has proliferated across Southeast Asia, now valued at billions of dollars annually. Chinese security personnel will accompany the returnees on their flights back home, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The Myanmar junta confirmed the handover of the Chinese nationals, highlighting the cooperative spirit between nations.
"Two hundred Chinese nationals involved in online gambling, telecom fraud and other crimes were handed over in accordance with legal procedures through Thailand this morning, in the spirit of humanitarianism and friendship between countries," they announced.
Scam centers in Myanmar have become infamous for their harsh treatment of workers, subjecting them to beatings and other forms of abuse at the hands of their supervisors. The workers' release is seen as a critical step towards dismantling these operations and addressing the broader issue of human trafficking in the region.
"It is also an imperative choice to safeguard the common interests of regional countries," Guo Jiakun emphasized.
In the coming days, efforts will continue to ensure that more individuals trapped in similar conditions can return home safely. This initiative underscores China's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and combating international crime.
"In the coming days, an additional 800 or so Chinese nationals suspected of fraud-related crimes are expected to be escorted back to China," reported CCTV.
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