This rescue operation successfully rescued 61 victims who were deceived by call center scam gangs and taken to Myanmar. The victims are of diverse nationalities, including people from China, India, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Malaysia. These victims were forced into illegal work after being deceived into going to Myanmar.
Fortunately, with the assistance of the Myanmar border guard, they successfully returned to Thailand via the second Thai-Myanmar bridge in Tak's Mae Sot district.
The rescue operation was personally directed by Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who welcomed these rescued refugees at the border area and ensured they underwent routine immigration checks.
During the inspection, Prawit revealed that the Thai government is considering cutting off the electricity supply to three high-crime areas in Myanmar to further combat illegal activities such as drug trafficking and human trafficking.
This measure was initiated on February 5th. Although initial effects are showing, the government expects to further reduce cross-border criminal activities.
Prawit stated that the preliminary assessment of the electricity cut shows minimal impact on the Thai border areas, although the reaction from the Myanmar side is more complex, especially the negative impact on local small businesses.
However, he emphasized that national security is the top priority, especially in combating criminal groups operating in the border areas.
It is reported that call center scam activities in Myanmar's Ruak Science area have decreased by about 40% after the power cut. These scam cases have caused tremendous damage to Thai society, resulting in over 557,500 criminal cases and losses exceeding 86 billion Thai Baht, with an average daily loss of 80 million Thai Baht.
The Thai government is clearly determined to take tougher measures to combat these cross-border criminal activities, ensuring national security and public interest.
