Thailand has received a total of 260 victims of human trafficking, with over half of them hailing from Ethiopia and majority from Myanmar. This significant repatriation initiative was recently undertaken by the Thai military amidst a strengthened enforcement campaign against fraudulent centers operating along the porous Thai-Myanmar border. Criminal syndicates have been engaged in trafficking hundreds of thousands of individuals, coercing them to work in illicit online activities that yield substantial profits annually throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in the Thai-Myanmar border region, as highlighted by the United Nations.
Following an extensive screening process and nationality verification, the Thai army confirmed the presence of individuals representing 20 different nationalities within the repatriated group, with 138 identified as Ethiopian nationals. While these unlawful activities have persisted over time, Thai authorities intensified their efforts last month following the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand, under the guise of a promised acting opportunity. The actor was eventually rescued by Thai law enforcement in Myanmar.
Witnesses observed a large group of trafficking victims returning from the Myawaddy area in Myanmar crossing the Moei River into Thailand. Accompanied by Thai military personnel, the individuals were swiftly directed onto military vehicles as soldiers closely monitored the situation. The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, a Myanmar rebel faction situated along the Thai border, reported discovering approximately 260 individuals affiliated with undisclosed “businesses,” during their efforts to combat forced labor in their controlled territories. Major Saw San Aung, the outfit’s chief of staff, expressed uncertainty regarding the manner in which these individuals had arrived and emphasized their commitment to locating instances of forced labor and facilitating appropriate repatriation measures.
In response to the prevailing threat posed by scam centers, Thailand recently implemented measures such as cutting off electricity, fuel, and internet services in areas of Myanmar where these illegal encampments are known to operate. This reflects a growing concern in Bangkok regarding the detrimental impact of such illicit operations on the crucial tourism sector. For the latest updates from CNN, sign up for an account on CNN.com to access a plethora of news articles and newsletters.
