Thailand Repatriates Hundreds of Chinese Nationals from Myanmar Scam Centers

Thailand has continued its large-scale repatriation of Chinese nationals freed from illegal cyber scam operations in Myanmar, with 456 individuals sent back to China on Thursday. The operation is part of a broader initiative to clear out scam centers along the Thai-Myanmar border, where thousands of foreigners—primarily Chinese—were reportedly coerced into online fraud schemes.

The latest repatriation effort follows a series of crackdowns by Myanmar authorities under pressure from China, which has been actively seeking the dismantling of these illicit operations. In recent weeks, Myanmar has freed around 7,000 workers from more than two dozen countries.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura announced that Thailand plans to repatriate 1,500 people per week, with Chinese nationals being sent back every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Mondays and Tuesdays will be allocated for the repatriation of other foreign nationals, including Africans.

To facilitate the transfers, Thailand, Myanmar, and China held talks in Bangkok last week, coordinating efforts to expedite the process. Thai media broadcast footage of buses transporting hundreds of workers from Myanmar to Mae Sot Airport, where they were boarded onto six China Southern Airlines chartered flights.

Many of the workers claim they were deceived or coerced into working for scam syndicates, engaging in fraud schemes related to investment, romance, and online gambling. Survivors have reported physical abuse, forced labor, and financial exploitation.