Eighty-four Indonesians freed from Myanmar scam centers are returning home via Mae Sot, Thailand. This repatriation is part of a coordinated effort addressing the exploitation of thousands in job scams. There are ongoing discussions among Thailand, Myanmar, and China on managing repatriation logistics amid growing humanitarian concerns.
Eighty-four Indonesians have been rescued from scam centers in Myanmar and are set to return home following a coordinated repatriation effort. They arrived in Mae Sot, Thailand on Thursday, escorted by police, as part of a broader crackdown on international job scams. These individuals were among over 7,000 people trapped in the border town of Myawaddy, Myanmar, exploited in fraudulent activities such as false romance schemes and illegal gambling operations.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry confirmed that they are working to repatriate approximately 270 citizens currently stranded in Myanmar. Judha Nugraha, the ministry’s director for citizen protection, noted that around 6,800 Indonesians have been victims of these illegal schemes in recent years. The reason for the focus on only 84 individuals for this specific repatriation was not immediately clarified.
The repatriation efforts followed a recent visit by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Beijing, where she discussed measures to combat these scam networks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In efforts to shut down these operations, Thailand has cut off essential services such as electricity and internet in areas of Myanmar harboring these centers.
In the past week, more than 600 Chinese nationals were repatriated, with Thailand delegating much of the processing logistics to Beijing due to the sheer number involved. Earlier this month, about 260 individuals from various countries also transitioned into Thai custody, yet over 100 still await repatriation. This extensive operation poses a strain on Thai government resources, leading to delays and raising concerns over a potential humanitarian crisis in the border regions.
Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta contributed to this report.
The successful repatriation of the 84 Indonesians from scam centers in Myanmar highlights ongoing international efforts to combat human trafficking and job scams. As regional governments coordinate their responses, the scale of this crisis raises questions about future protections for vulnerable individuals. Continued collaboration will be essential to prevent further exploitation and address the humanitarian implications of such scams.
Original Source: www.wral.com
