The BGF has promised to work with Thailand to combat the growing threat of call-centre scams operating near the Thai-Myanmar border. This collaboration comes amidst allegations linking the BGF to human trafficking rings.
Colonel Saw Chit Thu, leader of Myanmar 's Karen Border Guard Force ( BGF ), has pledged to work with Thailand to dismantle call-center scam operations operating near the Thai- Myanmar border. Despite allegations linking him to human trafficking rings, Saw stated that the BGF will actively work to arrest scammers and human traffickers operating within Myanmar territories under its control. Additionally, the BGF will facilitate the repatriation of victims to their home countries.
The Bangkok Post reported that Saw expressed a desire for the Thai government to provide advice and assistance when necessary, marking the beginning of a joint operation on February 15th. As part of this cooperation, the BGF will assist in transporting foreign trafficking victims from Myawaddy to Thailand's Mae Sot district via the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. An unnamed source at the border confirmed that over 8,000 people, mostly Chinese nationals, will be deported for their involvement in call-center scams. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, director of Thailand's Anti-Human Trafficking Centre, stated that China had provided Thailand with a list of over 3,700 Chinese suspects connected to these criminal activities.Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed gratitude for Saw's cooperation in combating crime. However, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted that Thailand is seeking arrest warrants for Saw and two other BGF leaders due to their alleged involvement in human trafficking. Despite these allegations, Saw maintains that his group actively combats human trafficking, claiming to have rescued numerous victims. In 2023, the rights group Justice for Myanmar exposed the BGF's involvement in illegal activities, including scams, in Myawaddy. Furthermore, both the UK and EU imposed sanctions on Saw in December 2023 due to accusations of human trafficking, forced labor, and other human rights violations. Recently, the BGF conducted raids on several locations in Shwe Kokko suspected of being linked to scammers and traffickers, including hotels and restaurants
MYANMAR THAILAND BORDER CRIMES SCAMS HUMAN TRAFFICKING BGF CALL CENTRES
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Myanmar Migrants Seek Refuge in Thailand, Facing Hardship and UncertaintyThe bloody civil war in Myanmar, ignited by the 2021 coup, has driven thousands of young people across the border to Thailand. These migrants, lacking Thai language skills, are forced into low-paying and dangerous jobs, living in fear of arrest and deportation. Three such migrants, speaking under pseudonyms, share their experiences and hopes for a better future.
Read more »
No sign of missing Chinese model at Thailand-Myanmar border(Reuters) - Advocates and holders of crypto will soon influence U.S. policy on the emerging technology after a slew of nominations and advisory appointments by President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday.
Read more »
15 Malaysians Among 260 Foreign Victims of Myanmar Call Centre Syndicates Released in Thailand15 Malaysians were among 260 foreign victims of call center syndicates in Myawaddy, Myanmar, who were released by Myanmar authorities and sent to Thailand for deportation. The victims were rescued from KK Park and Shwe Kokko, two border towns infamous for human trafficking, and transferred to Thailand via the Ban Chong Khaep checkpoint in Tak province. Thai authorities will screen the victims under the National Referral Mechanism before coordinating with embassies to facilitate repatriation.
Read more »
Japanese Boy Rescued from Myanmar Scam Syndicate as Thailand Cracks Down on Human TraffickingThai authorities rescued a 16-year-old Japanese boy from a scam syndicate operating in Myanmar near the Thai border, highlighting the ongoing issue of human trafficking and forced labor in the region. This follows the rescue of another Japanese youth last month, underscoring Thailand's efforts to combat these criminal activities.
Read more »
TDM arrests 15 illegal immigrants from Myanmar and ThailandThe 15 undocumented foreign migrants were arrested in two separate operations in the Kubang Pasu district, on Saturday (Feb 8) and today.
Read more »
Thailand Rescues 61 Victims of Human Trafficking and Online Scams in MyanmarThailand has rescued 61 foreign nationals, including a Malaysian man, from suspected human trafficking and online scam operations in Myanmar. The victims were handed over to Thai authorities at the Mae Sot border checkpoint. Thailand has also taken steps to combat these criminal networks by cutting electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five Myanmar border towns.
Read more »