Myanmar
- Thailand News
Myanmar national found dead in Udon Thani, police investigate
A Myanmar national’s body was discovered in a room in Udon Thani, allegedly dead for five days, despite reportedly being seen outside just two days prior. Police are investigating, suspecting involvement from two individuals who shared the accommodation. At 4.20pm yesterday, March 12, Police Captain Supakorn Thumjeen, Deputy Inspector at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, received a report of a…
- Thailand News
Scam signal lost: Thai forces pull plug on Myanmar border smuggling
Thai security forces have intercepted and seized Internet transmission equipment believed to be used by a call centre scam operation, preventing it from being smuggled across the border to Payathonzu, Myanmar. The operation was carried out by the Lat Ya Task Force of the Surasi Military Command, under orders from Major General Asadawut Panyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division.…
- Thailand News
Myanmar man confesses to murder over 5,000 baht debt
The discovery of a motorcycle in an irrigation canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province at the weekend has led to the revelation of a fatal stabbing. A 23 year old Myanmar national, Pai Aung Chit, admitted to killing his friend, 30 year old factory worker, Zaza, over a 5,000 baht debt. Police Colonel Somjet Maenbutr, head of Wang Noi…
- Thailand News
DSI seeks arrest for major general in trafficking case
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) forwarded an arrest warrant request for Major General Maung Chit Thu to the Attorney General. The case involves human trafficking and implicates Thai nationals. Officials are confident there is sufficient evidence for prosecution. Yesterday, March 3, at 4.30pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Siriwich Kasemsub, Director of the Human Trafficking Case Division at the DSI, discussed…
- Thailand News
Over 7,000 foreign nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres
More than 7,000 foreign nationals trapped in scam call centres in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region have been freed and are awaiting repatriation, according to the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF). The victims, totalling 7,141 people from 28 nationalities, were rescued from the notorious Shwe Kokko and KK Park complexes, areas known for human trafficking and cybercrime activities. The BGF, led by…
- Thailand News
200 Myanmar migrants sent home in Thai repatriation drive
In a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, 200 Myanmar migrants were deported from Ranong province yesterday, February 24 as part of Thailand’s ongoing efforts to address the influx of undocumented workers. The group, consisting of 198 men and two women, were repatriated after undergoing legal proceedings and voluntarily joining the government’s repatriation programme. The migrants were transported to the customs…
- Thailand News
Thailand considers stricter Internet rules on Thai-Myanmar border
A Thai committee is contemplating additional Internet access restrictions along the Thai-Myanmar border, a region notorious for scam syndicates in order to combat scam syndicate operations. This week, a committee plans to visit Mae Sot district in Tak province to evaluate how these measures might impact residents, as stated by Siam Hathasongkorh, Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications,…
- Thailand News
Myanmar repatriates Chinese scam workers through Thailand
Myanmar has begun repatriating hundreds of Chinese nationals forced to work in scam centres, with the first group crossing into Thailand today, February 20. This marks the start of a massive operation expected to free thousands from criminal-run compounds in Myanmar over the coming weeks. The first group of 50 Chinese workers was transported to the Thai border town of…
- Thailand News
China doubles down on border scam operations with Myanmar
China is intensifying its efforts to dismantle international scam operations along the Thai-Myanmar border, dispatching Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, to the region to bolster the crackdown. Liu, an experienced police officer, arrived at Don Mueang International Airport yesterday, February 16, with approximately 26 Chinese delegates. From there, they travelled to Mae Sot district in Tak before…
- Crime News
Thai security operation rescues 261 from Myanmar call centre
A Thai security operation successfully received 261 foreign nationals who were previously lured by a call centre scam in Myanmar. The operation yesterday, February 12, at 4.10pm, involved the Ratchamanu Task Force, Border Patrol Police, and local administrative officials in Tak province. At 4pm, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) handed over 221 men and 39 women from 20 different…
- Thailand News
Thailand launches global task force to combat human trafficking
Thailand is stepping up its fight against human trafficking and scam call centres by establishing an international coordination centre to rescue victims trapped in Myanmar, Police Inspector-General Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot announced. Speaking from Tak province yesterday, February 10, Thatchai confirmed that the centre will work with international law enforcement to track down and free people, regardless of nationality, who…
- Thailand News
Thai officials foil Myanmar solar panel, fuel smuggling attempts
Security personnel in the western province of Tak intercepted attempts to smuggle solar panels and fuel into Myanmar yesterday, February 9. This comes amid a Thai government directive to halt power and fuel exports to three Myanmar border towns, following a request from Chinese agencies concerned about scam operations targeting Chinese citizens. In the first incident, a patrol comprising soldiers,…
- Thailand News
Call centre scam victims rescued from Myanmar’s clutches
Sixty-one hapless victims, duped by call centre scammers and whisked away to Myanmar, yesterday made a triumphant return to Thailand. Courtesy of the Myanmar Border Guard Force, the rescued victims were handed over to Thai officials at the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Bridge in the Mae Sot district of Tak province. The rescue mission was graced by none other than Defence Minister…
- Thailand News
Call centre scams stay lit while Burmese locals suffer Thai power cut
Innocent Burmese nationals, affected by Thailand’s measures to combat call centre scams, visited petrol stations to stock up, causing the price to rise. As part of a solution to tackle the call centre scam issue, the Thai government cut off power in five key areas of Myanmar, which were believed to be the headquarters of the scam gangs. In addition…
- Thailand News
Thailand cuts power to Myanmar border areas to tackle call centre scam
In a dramatic crackdown, Thailand cut off the power, Internet, and petrol supplies to five border areas of Myanmar suspected of harbouring call centre scam operations. The bold move, effective from 9am today, February 5, aims to dismantle what officials believe are the headquarters for a notorious scam gang operating along the Thai border with Myanmar. An MP from the…
- Thailand News
Man arrested in Tak for smuggling tech gear to Myanmar
A 54 year old man has been apprehended in Tak province for attempting to smuggle computer equipment and surveillance cameras across the border to a call centre gang in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The operation, conducted yesterday, February 4, was led by Police Lieutenant General Kittisak Durongkiboon and involved various enforcement teams. The man, identified as Anusak Wongnoi from Mae Sot district,…
- Thailand News
Thai police to establish centre to combat Myanmar scam gangs
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is establishing an international coordination centre to collaborate with foreign embassies in preventing foreign nationals from joining call centre scam gangs in Myanmar. The initiative, spearheaded by Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, aims to tackle call centre scams, particularly in the Mae Sot district of Tak, which serves as a significant transit point for individuals joining…
- Thailand News
High-profile Chinese inmate accuses Thai officials of treating him unfairly
A high-profile Chinese inmate sought assistance from INTERPOL, accusing Thai officials at Bangkok Remand Prison of treating him unfairly. This Chinese inmate is She Zhijiang, the Chinese President of Yatai International Holding Group (IHG) and the founder of the crime hub in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar. He was arrested in Thailand in August 2022 and imprisoned at Bangkok Remand Prison. Zhijiang was arrested…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction (video)
Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. While Thai police scrambled to rescue the actor, the fallout was swift. News of the terrifying…
- Thailand News
Thailand halts electricity supply to Myanmar over unpaid bills
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has stated that the sale of electricity to Myanmar adheres to established Thai-Myanmar protocols. The official is committed to stopping electricity distribution to Myanmar if any breach of contract is identified. Prasit Junprasit, the deputy governor of the PEA, confirmed that the authority supplies electricity to five areas in Myanmar. These include Payathonzu Town in…
- Phuket News
48 Rohingya migrants found in Phuket and Phang Nga
A group of 48 migrants, consisting of 19 men and 29 women, was taken into safe custody after being found walking along roads in northern Phuket and in Tha Nun, Phang Nga province, early yesterday, January 21. The group is believed to have travelled by boat from Bangladesh or Myanmar. Tha Chatchai police at the northern tip of Phuket were…
- Crime News
32 Indonesians caught crossing into Thailand from Myanmar
In a joint operation, the Ratchamanu Task Force, police, and administrative officers detained 32 Indonesian nationals attempting to illegally cross the border into Thailand. This incident occurred in the early hours of today, January 19, in Tak province. The group was intercepted as they crossed from Myanmar near Ban Wang Takian Tai, Mae Sot district. Upon inspection, it was discovered…
- Thailand News
Foreign Ministry warns against PP visit to detained Thai crew in Myanmar
Concerns have been raised by the Foreign Ministry regarding a potential visit by representatives of the opposition People’s Party (PP) to Myanmar to meet four Thai trawler crew members currently detained there. Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra expressed yesterday, January 7, that while the ministry cannot stop Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a PP party-list MP and chairman of the House’s Military Affairs Committee,…
- Thailand News
Four Thai fishermen still held in Myanmar after mass prisoner release
Four Thai fishing vessel crew members remain detained in Myanmar, despite the release of 151 Thai prisoners. These individuals were apprehended in late November by Myanmar soldiers, accused of trespassing into Myanmar waters. The group of 151 Thai nationals, repatriated yesterday, January 4, via the second Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge in Chiang Rai, were part of a larger amnesty granted by…
- Thailand News
Myanmar to release Thai fishermen, fostering regional peace
Myanmar’s impending release of four Thai fishermen, captured in disputed waters off Ranong province last month, demonstrates its commitment to fostering regional peace. This assurance emerged during an informal consultation in Bangkok, where Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa engaged representatives from six regional countries to tackle transnational crime and related issues. The meeting saw participation from key regional figures, including…
- World News
Myanmar cops rescue kidnapped businessman after deadly shootout
Police in Myanmar successfully rescued a 78 year old businessman who had been abducted outside a currency exchange shop. The dramatic operation resulted in a shootout, leaving six suspects dead and significant evidence uncovered. The victim, who had not eaten since his capture, was found safe. The incident occurred at 6am on December 13, when Yan Tin Chan was kidnapped…
- Thailand News
Thailand faces pressure over trafficking in Myanmar
Thailand is at the centre of an international appeal for assistance, as two House committees engage in discussions prompted by 14 countries seeking help to rescue their citizens trafficked into Myanmar by scam centre gangs. Hundreds of foreigners find themselves ensnared by these online scamming and human trafficking networks, which operate just across the Moei River from Mae Sot in…
- Thailand News
Myanmar babies in Thai hospitals not eligible for free healthcare
Babies born to Myanmar parents in Thailand’s border hospitals are not eligible for free healthcare benefits like Thai nationals, despite receiving a 13-digit identification number. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) clarified this policy yesterday, December 18, highlighting that these ID cards specifically categorise the newborns as migrants born in Thailand, not as Thai citizens. Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, NHSO Secretary…
- Thailand News
Hooked: Thai sailors jailed by Myanmar court for illegal fishing
In a legal ruling that’s sent shockwaves throughout the fishing community in Thailand, a Myanmar court has thrown the book at four Thai sailors, sentencing them to between four and six years in prison for fishing offences and illegal entry into the country. Sources from Kawthaung district broke the news today, December 16, revealing the fate of the Thai crew…
- Crime News
Myanmar boat seized in Thailand for shrimp smuggling
A Myanmar fishing boat has been seized, and its six crew members arrested for smuggling in Ranong, southern Thailand. The incident occurred after officials discovered a significant quantity of salt-fermented shrimp aboard the vessel. Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 reported that naval officers were dispatched to Waithong pier in tambon Pak Nam, Ranong, at 9pm yesterday, December 14.…
