Tak, April 7th, 2025 — Border patrol officers in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, discovered seven Chinese nationals hiding in a forested area near the Thai-Myanmar border. The group was found without passports or identification.
Through an interpreter, they reportedly admitted to working for a call center scam operation in Myawaddy, Karen State, Myanmar. They said poor living conditions—citing long hours, extreme heat, and lack of air conditioning—prompted their employers to release underperforming workers.
The seven attempted to return to China by illegally crossing into Thailand.
This came after the National Security Council (NSC) ordered the shutdown of electricity, internet, and fuel supply to five locations in Myanmar, starting February 5th, in an effort to disrupt call center scam operations.
Authorities took them into custody for questioning and handed them over to Tak Immigration Police for legal proceedings on illegal entry but to also work with Chinese authorities to return them home.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
