Call centre scam alert: Thai DES ministry urges probe after Myanmar repatriation
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) in Thailand has urged the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to probe a call centre scam following the repatriation of victims from Myanmar, a country currently in the throes of conflict.
DES Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong, disclosed that 41 Thai citizens were repatriated from the embattled town of Laukkaing in the Shan State over the weekend. These individuals are presently undergoing background checks. The group is said to comprise innocent people, call centre scam traffickers, and those enticed into the fraudulent operation. These checks are crucial for distinguishing between these categories.
Prasert assured that the government is steadfast in its commitment to safeguard Thai citizens from this conflict. The CIB chief, Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, who also heads the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), has been tasked with the investigation. The aim is to amass evidence that could potentially broaden the scope of prosecutions against the suspects.
The government is also collaborating closely with agencies that are dedicated to eliminating call centre scams. Prasert cautioned Thai nationals to be vigilant about foreign nationals who may attempt to persuade them to seek employment abroad.
Myanmar authorities had, as of Sunday, directed 266 Thai citizens towards the Chinese border in anticipation of their repatriation, the Foreign Affairs Ministry reported. Upon crossing the border, these Thais embarked on chartered flights from Kunming on AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, journeying back to Thailand.
Five individuals were said to be unwell and underwent a medical examination by Public Health Ministry staff before departure. The Royal Thai Consulate-General at Kunming provided food and drinks to those returning, collaborating with the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing on flight arrangements.
Upon arrival, the repatriates underwent immigration checks at the hands of the Immigration Bureau. The Royal Thai Police screened them following the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), as noted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The NRM is a system designed to facilitate the sharing of information related to human trafficking or forced labour cases among anti-trafficking agencies, reported Bangkok Post.
