Thailand to repatriate thousands of scam centre workers from Myanmar

Some 5,000 Chinese nationals will be sent home, with an average number of 1,000 a week, starting next week, the Thai Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters.

Thailand agreed with Myanmar and China to repatriate thousands of alleged scam centre workers stranded in camps at the Thai-Myanmar border, part of a crackdown on transnational crime, an official has said.

Some 5,000 Chinese nationals will be sent home, with an average number of 1,000 a week, starting next week, the Thai Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters.

bu.jpg
Scam centres in the Thai - Myanmar border area (Photo: BBC)

The announcement came after a meeting in Bangkok between Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Myanmar's Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Aung Kyaw Kyaw.

Cyberscam operations, which have thrived in Myanmar's lawless border areas for several years, lure foreign workers with promises of high-paying jobs but hold them hostage and force them into committing online fraud.

The United Nations estimates that as many as 120,000 people, many of them Chinese men, may be working in Myanmar scam centres against their will./.

World

Thailand rolls out anti-scam sandbox
World

Thailand rolls out anti-scam sandbox

One highlight of the DE fence platform is that it is connected to the databases of telecom operators to obtain the most up-to-date number information. It is also connected to the databases of the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the AOC 1441 Center, and the DES Ministry.

Cambodia sets up genocide crime-related historical sites
World

Cambodia sets up genocide crime-related historical sites

In the decree issued on February 25, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni ordered the establishment of three sites where genocide crimes occurred in the country, namely the former M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Genocide Centre in Phnom Penh.

Indonesia plans over 20 energy projects in 2025
World

Indonesia plans over 20 energy projects in 2025

Indonesia remains heavily dependent on coal and is one of the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters. However, President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to phase out coal-fired power generation within 15 years and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres
World

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres

An estimated 220,000 people were estimated to have been tricked into working for romance-investment schemes, crypto fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling in Myanmar and Cambodia in 2023.

Singapore makes efforts to upgrade social housing
World

Singapore makes efforts to upgrade social housing

Singaporean Minister of National Development Desmond Lee said on February 17 that 29,000 flats built in 1997 or earlier have been chosen for the Housing Board’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and will get structural improvements and upgrades to bathrooms and entrances, among other things.