Massive Repatriation of Chinese Nationals from Myanmar Online Scam Centres Underway
Thailand, Myanmar, and China Collaborate to Clear Out Illegal Cyberscam Compounds
In a significant development, hundreds of Chinese nationals were repatriated from Myanmar online scam centres through Thailand on Thursday, as the kingdom announced its plan to repatriate 1,500 such workers a week. This massive repatriation effort is a result of cooperation between Thailand, Myanmar, and China to clear out illegal cyberscam compounds on the Thai-Myanmar border, where thousands of foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals, have been working.
Crackdown by Myanmar and Repatriations
Under pressure from key ally Beijing, Myanmar has cracked down on some of the compounds, freeing around 7,000 workers from more than two dozen countries. Around 600 Chinese nationals were returned from Myanmar through Thailand two weeks ago, and last week, the three countries held talks in Bangkok to arrange further transferrals.
Repatriation Process
Thai media broadcast footage on Thursday of coaches bringing hundreds of Chinese workers from Myanmar and offloading them on to planes destined for China at Mae Sot airport. The Thai border force later confirmed that 456 Chinese nationals were sent back on six China Southern chartered aircraft. According to Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, the government plans to repatriate 1,500 people per week, or 300 each weekday, with "regular repatriations of Chinese nationals every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday." Mondays and Tuesdays will see other foreign nationals, including Africans, repatriated, with the ministry coordinating with foreign embassies to help with "immediate" repatriations.
Dilemma of Freed Workers
The remaining freed workers have been languishing for weeks in sometimes squalid conditions in holding camps near the Thai border while officials organize their repatriation. Many workers say they were lured or tricked into taking the work, defrauding strangers online with investment, romance, and gambling scams, and suffered beatings and abuse. A Rwandan scam centre worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP that he had been trafficked into one of the compounds where he was tortured and had his money taken from him. "It’s a big challenge. If I get home, I will have a big challenge also," he said.
Health Concerns
Unsanitary conditions at the overcrowded makeshift encampments have raised concerns about possible disease outbreaks. "There are sick people… they need to be repatriated onto the Thai side as early as possible," Nikorndej said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Chinese nationals have been repatriated so far?
A: Around 600 Chinese nationals were returned from Myanmar through Thailand two weeks ago, and 456 more were repatriated on Thursday.
Q: How many workers are expected to be repatriated per week?
A: The Thai government plans to repatriate 1,500 workers per week, or 300 each weekday.
Q: Who is involved in the repatriation process?
A: Thailand, Myanmar, and China are working together to clear out illegal cyberscam compounds and repatriate workers.
Q: What is the condition of the holding camps?
A: The camps are often overcrowded and unsanitary, raising concerns about possible disease outbreaks.