Thailand Steps Up as Intermediary in Fight Against Human Trafficking and Cybercrime in Myanmar

Thailand has positioned itself as a critical intermediary in the battle against human trafficking and transnational cybercrime, with National Police Inspector General Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot announcing significant efforts to assist victims rescued from scam operations in Myanmar’s Myawaddy township. Last week, Thai authorities rescued 260 individuals, the first batch of an estimated 10,000 victims expected to be repatriated to their home countries. This operation underscores Thailand’s growing role in addressing the escalating crisis of call centre gangs and human trafficking networks operating across the border.

The rescued individuals are currently undergoing screening under Thailand’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to determine whether they are victims or perpetrators. Pol Gen Thatchai stated that the process is expected to be completed within 15 days, after which Thai authorities will collaborate with foreign embassies to facilitate repatriation via Mae Sot Airport. “Thailand serves as an intermediary to assist victims,” he emphasised, urging those rescued to file complaints directly with Myanmar authorities to target the call centre gangs responsible for their exploitation.

A Regional Crisis with Global Implications

The situation in Myawaddy, a township near the Thai-Myanmar border, has become a focal point for transnational crime since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. The area has seen a surge in scam operations, often run by organised crime syndicates that lure individuals with false job promises only to force them into fraudulent call centre schemes targeting victims worldwide. Many of these victims are trafficked from countries across Asia, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, highlighting the global scale of the crisis.

Thai authorities are negotiating with Myanmar to conduct the NRM screening process on Myanmar soil, where the incidents occurred. This move, if successful, could streamline repatriation efforts and reduce the burden on Thailand’s border facilities. Pol Gen Thatchai’s estimate of 10,000 victims awaiting repatriation suggests that the scale of the problem far exceeds current rescue operations, raising questions about the capacity of regional governments to address the issue effectively.

In a related development, Thai police arrested and deported 10 Chinese suspects linked to the disappearance of Chinese actor Xingxing in January 2025. The suspects were handed over to Chinese authorities for prosecution, demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to international cooperation in tackling cross-border crime. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Chinese authorities have arranged charter flights to repatriate Chinese victims from Mae Sot Airport on 28 February, a sign of Beijing’s urgency in addressing the plight of its citizens.

Thailand’s Broader Strategy Against Transnational Crime

Beyond immediate rescue and repatriation efforts, Thailand is intensifying its focus on prevention. Discussions led by Pol Gen Thatchai included plans to curb human trafficking, transnational crimes, and cybercrimes, areas where Thailand has faced increasing scrutiny. The country’s porous border with Myanmar, combined with the political instability in the latter since the coup, has made it a hotspot for illicit activities ranging from drug smuggling to online fraud.

Thailand’s role as an intermediary is not without challenges. While the country has mechanisms like the NRM to identify and protect victims, the sheer volume of cases risks overwhelming resources. Additionally, encouraging victims to file complaints with Myanmar authorities may prove difficult given the ongoing conflict and limited governance in areas like Myawaddy, where armed groups and criminal syndicates often hold more sway than the central government.

Analysts suggest that Thailand’s efforts, while commendable, must be paired with broader regional cooperation. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has faced criticism for its slow response to the Myanmar crisis, both in terms of political instability and its ripple effects on crime. If confirmed, initiatives to conduct NRM screenings in Myanmar could set a precedent for cross-border collaboration, though such plans remain speculative at this stage with no official agreement announced.

Human Stories Behind the Statistics

Behind the numbers are harrowing stories of exploitation. Many victims of call centre gangs are lured with promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves trapped in compounds where they are forced to perpetrate scams under threat of violence. Escape is often impossible without external intervention, and those rescued face a long journey of recovery and repatriation. The psychological toll of such experiences is immense, with many victims requiring extensive support to reintegrate into society.

The case of Chinese actor Xingxing, whose disappearance earlier this year shocked the public, has brought renewed attention to the dangers faced by individuals in the region. While details of the case remain limited, the arrest of 10 suspects suggests a targeted operation with potential links to organised crime. Such high-profile incidents underscore the urgency of dismantling these networks before more lives are destroyed.

Challenges and Conditional Outcomes

Looking ahead, the success of Thailand’s intermediary role hinges on several factors. If repatriation efforts proceed as planned, with an estimated 10,000 victims returned to their home countries, it could mark a significant victory against human trafficking in the region. However, this outcome is far from guaranteed, as logistical hurdles, diplomatic tensions, and Myanmar’s internal chaos could derail progress. It must be noted that these figures and timelines remain unconfirmed, and no evidence suggests that all 10,000 individuals will be repatriated within the near future.

Moreover, the push to have victims file complaints with Myanmar authorities raises practical concerns. If Myanmar’s governance structures remain unstable, as many observers predict, victims may find little recourse through official channels. Thailand may need to explore alternative mechanisms, such as international legal frameworks or ASEAN-led initiatives, to ensure justice for those affected. Without such measures, the cycle of exploitation risks continuing unabated.

Economically, the crisis also poses risks to Thailand. The country’s border regions, particularly around Mae Sot, rely heavily on cross-border trade and tourism. Persistent crime and instability could deter investment and harm local livelihoods, though the exact impact remains speculative at this stage. Thai authorities will need to balance their humanitarian commitments with domestic priorities, a task that will test the government’s resolve in the coming months.

A Call for International Action

Thailand’s efforts to combat human trafficking and cybercrime in partnership with Myanmar and other nations are a step in the right direction, but they are not enough on their own. The international community, including major powers like China and regional bodies like ASEAN, must play a more active role in addressing the root causes of these crimes. Political instability in Myanmar, economic desperation across the region, and the global demand for cheap labour all contribute to the conditions that allow trafficking networks to thrive.

For now, Thailand stands as a critical player in a complex and evolving crisis. Pol Gen Thatchai’s leadership and the commitment of Thai authorities to assist victims offer hope to thousands trapped in exploitative conditions. Yet, as the scale of the problem becomes clearer, so too does the need for sustained, coordinated action across borders. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but Thailand’s determination to act as an intermediary may yet pave the way for meaningful change—if regional and international partners step up to share the burden.