Bangkok has taken robust action against scam centres proliferating along the Thai-Myanmar border, a move described as addressing a "national security issue." The scam industry, with an estimated worth of billions of dollars, involves around 34 Chinese nationals and additional staff from Indonesia, Ethiopia, and other African countries. These centres primarily target Chinese nationals, with staff members trafficked into the operations and forced to swindle their compatriots.
In a strategic maneuver, Thai authorities cut the electricity supply to five areas in Myanmar suspected of hosting these fraudulent operations. This effort led to the rescue of 61 individuals from these scam centres, who have since been returned to Thailand. Among those rescued were several Chinese citizens, including actor Wang Xing, who was reportedly freed from a cyber fraud centre in Myanmar earlier this year.
The crackdown has not gone unnoticed. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed gratitude towards Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the "strong measures" implemented against the scam centres. This diplomatic interaction underscores the importance of these actions for cross-border relations, particularly as they pertain to tourism and national security.
Thailand's measures are not only aimed at curbing fraud but also at reassuring potential visitors about their safety. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized this commitment by assuring President Xi that:
"The safety of people and tourists who visit Thailand is the government's highest priority."
Additionally, she indicated Thailand's readiness to collaborate with China in combating transnational crimes by stating:
"Thailand is ready to boost cooperation with China to tackle crimes passing through Thailand and to systematically warn about possible threats."
The impact of these scams extends beyond financial losses, significantly affecting Thailand's tourism sector. The number of Chinese tourists visiting during the Lunar New Year holiday saw a sharp decline following reports of a Chinese citizen's alleged kidnapping. Given China's significance as a key tourism market for Thailand, especially in its post-COVID-19 recovery phase, maintaining a secure environment is paramount.
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