Southeast Asia has emerged as a significant hub for telecom and online fraud, particularly in the border areas of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. This illicit activity has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, with hundreds of thousands trafficked to work in scam centres across the region, as reported by the United Nations. In response, Thailand, China, and Myanmar have agreed to collaborate in combating these fraudulent operations.
A high-level meeting took place recently between the Thai military delegation and Myanmar's junta second-in-command, Soe Win, in Naypyidaw. The discussions focused on a coordinated crackdown on human trafficking and online scams. As a result, a new coordination centre will be established at the national police headquarters in Bangkok to combat these scam activities effectively.
"This centre (in Bangkok) will work together (with China) to investigate and combat call centre gangs based in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and along the Cambodian border, which involve many Chinese and Thai nationals," stated the Thai police.
In addition to the Bangkok centre, Chinese authorities plan to set up another coordination hub in Thailand's Mae Sot district, which shares a border with Myanmar's Myawaddy. The coordination centre is expected to become operational by February 2025.
"The coordination centre is expected to commence operations within February 2025," confirmed the Thai police.
Public pressure in Thailand has been mounting for authorities to take decisive action against these scam compounds. Reports indicate that workers in these centres are often lured from various parts of the world and subjected to brutal treatment. Over 55,000 foreign nationals, including more than 53,000 Chinese citizens, have been repatriated from these compounds between October 2023 and January 2025.
Efforts to address these complex issues have gained momentum with consensus reached by officials from China, Myanmar, and Thailand during a meeting in Kunming. They agreed on the need to eradicate telecom fraud centres operating in Myanmar. However, conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the support for these operations from Myanmar's neighbouring countries. While Chinese-state media suggested such support exists, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed these claims.
"This issue is not just about Thailand," emphasized Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
China's growing concern about scam centres has been amplified by high-profile incidents like the abduction and cross-border rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing. This highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to dismantle the fast-growing networks of illegal call centres along the Thai border with Myanmar and Cambodia.
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