Nearly 700 workers detained in Myanmar call center raids
TACHILEIK, MYANMAR — Myanmar military and police forces have detained nearly 700 workers in Tachileik, a border town opposite Mae Sai in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, in a significant operation against scam call centers and online gambling.
The crackdown targeted three suspected illegal call centers located behind a hotel, resulting in the arrests of 540 Myanmar nationals, 148 Thai nationals, and one Chinese citizen.
Authorities also confiscated 400 computers, 270 smartphones, 170 motorbikes, and 10 cars during the raids.
The police added that most of the detained individuals are young people. Meanwhile, some of the detained Thais, identified as administrators of these centers, frequently traveled between Thailand and Myanmar using temporary passes and are currently under questioning.
Myanmar officials also announced that all detainees would face prosecution before any extradition considerations are made.
This action is part of a broader effort by the Myanmar military government to address criminal operations targeting mainly Chinese nationals under pressure from Beijing.
Last year, approximately 41,000 suspects were handed over to China, highlighting the scale of the crackdown on such activities.
The issue of Thais working in scam centers in Myanmar has been a concern for Thai authorities as well. Late last year, over 500 Thais were repatriated from scam centers in Laukkaing, Shan State, with 174 identified as victims of human trafficking.
This incident underscores the complex challenges facing the region, involving human trafficking, illegal employment, and transnational crime.
