Thailand, February 19th, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met with Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, to discuss joint operations.
Liu apologized for any misunderstanding that may have appeared to infringe on Thailand’s sovereignty, stating that China’s urgency stemmed from concerns for its citizens.
Liu praised Thailand’s measures, including cutting electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to scam centers in Myawaddy, Myanmar. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang also expressed appreciation through Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, recognizing the success of the crackdown.
Meanwhile, China has arranged 16 repatriation flights for 1,041 human trafficking victims deceived into working in Myanmar. Operated by China Southern Airlines, flights will run from February 20th to the 22nd between Mae Sot Airport in Thailand’s Tak and Xishuangbanna, China.
Thai and Chinese officials, along with Myanmar representatives, will oversee the first return flights on February 20th.
TPN media notes that some human rights activists have raised concerns around some of the repatriation processes and Chinese government statements they would interview and investigate those being sent back, but Chinese officials stated this was only to identify any possible scammers or human traffickers hiding amongst genuine victims.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
