On February 19, 2025, a victim of a fraud group rescued from Myanmar and already disabled was waiting to return to China in Tak Province, Thailand. Reuters
China, Thailand, Myanmar and other countries have recently cracked down on fraud groups. China will escort more than 800 Chinese suspects arrested in Myanmar back to China in three days starting from Thursday (2/20). Thai Prime Minister Betungta also said this week that about 7,000 victims rescued from Myanmar are waiting to be transferred to Thailand; members of anti-human trafficking organizations say many of these people have experienced violent beatings or electric shocks, and their bodies are covered with bruises, cuts and fractures. , the tragic situation “as if he had just walked out of the minefield and the battlefield.”
On February 19, 2025, three Ethiopian victims of fraud groups showed their wounds who were punished by the fraud group for failing to meet the “performance” standards while in Myanmar. He is currently waiting to return to China in Tak Province, Thailand. Reuters
According to the Ministry of Public Security of China and Thailand’s Bangkok Post, China will send 16 charter flights to Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand, three days from Thursday (2/20), and pick up more than 800 people. Chinese fraud arrested in Myawaddy and other places in Myawaddy. Thai Prime Minister Paetontarn Shinawatra said on Wednesday (2/19) that about 7,000 victims rescued from Myanmar are waiting to be transferred to Thailand.
On February 19, 2025, a Bangladeshi fraud victim showed his wounds of being abused for failing to meet the “performance” standards while in Myanmar. He is currently waiting to return to China in Tak Province, Thailand. Reuters
At present, some victims have gone from Myanmar to Meso, Tat Province, Thailand. Thai military and police pointed out that these victims are from many countries and can return to China after waiting for the procedures of their respective national consulates to complete the procedures. Judah Tana, a member of the Global Advance Projects, an anti-trafficking non-governmental organization, said that some of the rescued people were beaten by iron prying and sticks, while others were electrocuted, with various cuts and bruises on their bodies. , fractured, and in a very bad condition, “as if he had just walked out of the minefield and battlefield.”
On February 19, 2025, an Ethiopian fraud victim showed his wounds of being abused for failing to meet the “performance” standards while in Myanmar. He is currently waiting to return to China in Tata Province, Thailand. Reuters
Fraud groups have been rampant in Southeast Asia for a long time. According to previous UN reports, at least 120,000 people in Myanmar were detained by fraud groups, and about 100,000 victims in Cambodia. The United Nations estimates that the economic losses caused by fraud against East and Southeast Asia will range from US$18 billion (about NT$589.4 billion) to US$37 billion (about NT$1.2 trillion) by 2023.
On February 19, 2025, a group of victims of fraud groups from many countries were sent to Tak Province, Thailand after being rescued in Mywady, Myanmar, waiting to return home; the picture shows the victims waiting to receive food. Reuters
Although there are many victims and shocking economic damage, these fraud groups have been at large for a long time until Chinese actor Wang Xing lost contact on the Thai-Myanmar border on January 3 and became a piglet, which attracted high attention from the Chinese people. The Thai-Myanmar military and police Under pressure, he quickly recovered Wang Xing on January 7.
On January 7, 2025, after Chinese male star Wang Xing (the man in white) was rescued, he talked with the Thai police in Dameiso, Thailand on the Thai-Myanmar border. Associated Press
According to the release of the Ministry of Public Security of China this Thursday (2/20), 10 important criminal suspects involved in the case of Wang Xing being deceived abroad and being trapped and illegally detained were arrested by Thai police a few days ago. He was escorted back to China by the police in the early morning of the day.
On February 19, 2025, a group of victims of fraud groups from many countries were sent to Tak Province, Thailand after being rescued in Mywady, Myanmar, waiting to return home; the picture shows the victims waiting to receive food. Reuters
Although the Wang Xing incident ended, it has attracted social attention and heated discussions. After the Wang Xing incident, Chinese officials actively cooperated with Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos to “block criminals to commit crimes and eliminate online gambling and electronic fraud cancers.” The key area for mobilization is Myanmar Miaowadi.
The notorious “KK Park” is located in Myanmar. Reuters
Jeremy Douglas, an official from the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), pointed out that Myanmar’s Mywady is the base camp of Southeast Asia’s largest fraud group, and may also be the largest in the world.
The notorious fraud group stronghold “KK Park”, is located in Myanmar; UN officials say that Miaowadi is the largest fraud group stronghold in Southeast Asia and may also be the largest in the world. Reuters
Myanmar handed over more than 260 rescued people from the Miaowadi KK campus to Thailand last Wednesday (2/12). The victims came from more than 20 countries, including 7 Taiwanese.
On February 12, 2025, victims of fraud groups rescued from Myanmar arrived at the temporary shelter in Thailand, waiting for the assistance of consulates from various countries to return home. Reuters
Myanmar official media “Myanmar Global Xinguang” reported that officials such as Liu Zhongyi, assistant minister of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, met with Myanmar and Thai officials in Miaowadi this week to discuss how the three countries can carry out systematic cooperation on preventing telecommunications fraud.
A bus carrying members of the Chinese fraud group entered Thailand from Miaowady on the morning of February 20, preparing to hand over it to the Chinese public security by the Thai side. Reuters
Liu Zhongyi also met with a group of rescued victims of fraud groups in Miaowadi on Monday (2/17), and discussed with Thai and Myanmar officials about the escort of the suspect and the way to send the victims back to China. “Myanmar Global New Light” points out that since the end of January this year, Myanmar has locked in 1,303 foreigners who illegally entered the country and worked in fraudulent places in Myawaddy, and detained 273 of them.
On February 20, Thailand’s Vice Prime Minister Putan (Central) held a joint press conference with Liu Zhongyi (right), Assistant Minister of Public Security of China, at Meso Airport on the border, announcing the launch of the repatriation of Chinese citizens in the fraud park. Reuters
The chartered flight carrying the first batch of 50 Chinese citizens from the Thai-Myanmar border fraud park took off at Meso Airport, Thailand on February 20. Reuters
What specific challenges has the Thai Police Anti-Fraud Task Force encountered during the repatriation process?
Table of Contents
- 1. What specific challenges has the Thai Police Anti-Fraud Task Force encountered during the repatriation process?
- 2. Thai Police Anti-Fraud Task Force Commander Speaks Out on Mass Repatriations
- 3. Rescuing and Repatriating Victims
- 4. Cracking Down on Fraud Groups: A Regional Effort
- 5. The Scale of the problem and Future Challenges
- 6. The Road Ahead
- 7. Thoughts for our Readers
Title: Exclusive: Thai Police Anti-Fraud Task Force Commander Speaks Out on Mass Repatriations
Thai Police Anti-Fraud Task Force Commander Speaks Out on Mass Repatriations
in an exclusive interview, Commander Kraisorn Suwannachart, head of the Thai Police’s newly formed Anti-Fraud Task Force, shared insights into the ongoing efforts to repatriate thousands of fraud victims and arrest suspects following a regional crackdown. With the frist chartered flights carrying Chinese victims taking off from Mae Sot,we discuss the challenges faced and the future of cross-border cooperation.
Rescuing and Repatriating Victims
Archyde: Commander Suwannachart, thank you for joining us today. To start, can you give us an update on the repatriation process for the rescued victims?
Commander Suwannachart: Thank you for having me. As of now, we have successfully repatriated over 500 victims, with more flights scheduled in the coming days. Our priority is to ensure the safe return of these individuals and connect them with necessary support services upon arrival.
Cracking Down on Fraud Groups: A Regional Effort
Archyde: The recent arrests and repatriations seem to be part of a larger regional crackdown. Can you tell us more about the coordination between Thailand, China, and Myanmar?
Commander Suwannachart: Absolutely. We’ve been working closely with our counterparts in China and Myanmar, sharing intelligence, and conducting joint operations. The establishment of the Thai Police Anti-Fraud Task Force is a testament to our commitment to this regional collaboration. It’s crucial for us to work together to dismantle these transnational criminal networks.
The Scale of the problem and Future Challenges
Archyde: reports suggest that these fraud groups have beenños operating in Southeast Asia for years, with tens of thousands of victims. What are some of the challenges in addressing this issue?
Commander Suwannachart: You’re right. The scale of the problem is staggering. Some of the main challenges include the transnational nature of these operations, the use of technology to adapt and evade law enforcement, and the volume of victims that need to be rescued, supported, and repatriated. another critically important challenge is gathering and sharing evidence across jurisdictions to build robust cases against the suspects.
The Road Ahead
Archyde: Looking forward, what steps are being taken to prevent future victimization and disrupt fraud groups?
commander Suwannachart: We’re focusing on several key areas. First, we’ll continue to strengthen our cross-border cooperation, especially with China and Myanmar. Second, we’re investing in training and technology to enhance our investigative capabilities and build our resilience against new threats. Third, we’re working with international organizations and NGOs to address the root causes of this issue and support victims throughout their journey to recovery.
Thoughts for our Readers
Archyde: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our readers about how they can contribute to ending this scourge?
commander Suwannachart: Awareness is key. If you suspect someone you know has been targeted by a fraud group, please report it to local authorities. Also, let’s continue supporting the victims, whether through donations or simply listening to their stories. Their voices can definitely help us build a stronger, safer region.
Thank you, Commander Suwannachart, for your time and insights. We’ll continue to follow this story and report on developments as they happen.
