Thailand has rescued over 7,000 people from illegal call centre operations in Myanmar and is preparing to receive up to 10,000 more foreigners. The operation, led by the Thai police, marks a significant crack down on transnational crime syndicates operating online scam operations.
Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos have become hotspots for online scams, including romance scams, bogus investments, and illegal gambling. The UN estimates that scams targeting east and south-east Asians resulted in financial losses of $18bn to $37bn in 2023.
The Thai government has renewed efforts to crack down on the operations after a high-profile kidnapping incident involving a Chinese actor in January. Authorities have cut internet, electricity, and fuel supplies to areas where crime groups operate.
In recent weeks, hundreds of people from scam operations were deported from Myanmar, including 260 individuals from 20 nationalities. Many reported extreme physical abuse, including beatings, broken bones, and confinement in dark rooms.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has welcomed the Thai government’s efforts to combat online scams. “It’s a huge move if they clean the compounds and scams out,” said Jeremy Douglas, from the UNODC. The operation is expected to bring relief to thousands of victims trapped in forced labor situations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/myanmar-scam-call-centre-compound-rescues-thailand-crackdown