Thailand is ramping up its efforts to dismantle sprawling scam centres along its border with Myanmar, where an estimated 100,000 people are believed to be working in fraudulent operations. These illegal hubs, often linked to human trafficking and organised crime, form part of a vast Southeast Asian network generating billions of dollars annually, according to the United Nations. As regional cooperation intensifies, Thai authorities have rescued over 5,200 individuals from compounds in and around Myawaddy, a border town in Myanmar’s Kayin State, since February this year.
Leading the operation, Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, an inspector-general with the Royal Thai Police, revealed that initial assessments of the rescued individuals suggest hundreds voluntarily sought work in these scam hubs. “Many people use Thailand as a pathway to sneak into Myawaddy to find work, not just in call centre gangs but also in online gambling and other professions,” he said. However, he urged caution in distinguishing between victims and potential criminals among the diverse group of nationals from over a dozen countries.
The scale of the problem is staggering. These scam centres, often masquerading as legitimate businesses, exploit vulnerable individuals, many of whom are trafficked into forced labour by criminal syndicates. The facilities target victims globally with online fraud schemes, ranging from fake investment opportunities to romance scams. Thailand, positioned at the heart of this regional crisis, has taken decisive steps to disrupt operations, including cutting off electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to the Myawaddy area, as reported by local media. 
A Regional Crisis Unfolds
The border region between Thailand’s Tak Province and Myanmar’s Myawaddy has long been a hotspot for illicit activity, exacerbated by Myanmar’s ongoing political instability following the 2021 military coup. The area’s porous borders and limited governance on the Myanmar side have allowed criminal networks to flourish, often with impunity. Soldiers from Thailand’s Rachamanu Task Force now maintain close surveillance from points in Mae Sot District, monitoring activity across the border to curb the flow of people and resources to these scam hubs.
Since the crackdown began in earnest earlier this year, Thai police, in collaboration with Myanmar authorities, have managed to extricate thousands from these facilities. Over 3,500 of those rescued have been repatriated to their home countries via Thailand, a process that highlights the international scope of the issue. Yet, with an estimated 100,000 individuals still involved in these operations, the road to dismantling the network remains long and complex.
The United Nations has repeatedly flagged the role of human trafficking in sustaining these scam centres, with many workers lured by promises of legitimate employment only to find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions. Reports of physical abuse, debt bondage, and confiscation of personal documents are common, painting a grim picture of life inside these compounds. For those who enter voluntarily, the promise of quick earnings often overshadows the risks, as economic hardship drives individuals from across the region to seek opportunities in these shadowy enterprises.
Thailand’s Role in Regional Leadership
Thailand’s efforts to combat this crisis position it as a leader in a broader Southeast Asian initiative to tackle transnational crime. The scam centres are not an isolated issue; they are part of a wider web of illegal activities, including online gambling and drug trafficking, that span borders from Cambodia to Laos. By fronting this regional push, Thailand is not only addressing a domestic security concern but also fostering cooperation with neighbouring countries to stem the tide of organised crime.
Cutting off essential services to the Myawaddy area is a bold move, reflecting Thailand’s determination to choke the operational capacity of these scam hubs. However, such measures also raise questions about the humanitarian impact on those still inside, many of whom may be victims rather than perpetrators. Pol Gen Thatchai’s call for careful investigations underscores the delicate balance between enforcement and protection, as authorities work to separate willing participants from those coerced into criminal activity.
Beyond immediate rescue operations, Thailand faces the challenge of disrupting the financial pipelines that fuel these scam centres. Billions of dollars in illicit revenue are generated each year, often laundered through complex international networks. If unaddressed, these funds could perpetuate the cycle of exploitation, enabling criminal groups to expand their operations further. While no concrete figures on disrupted finances have been released, analysts suggest that sustained pressure on money flows could be a game-changer, provided regional partners align their efforts.
Broader Implications for Southeast Asia
The proliferation of scam centres along the Thailand-Myanmar border is symptomatic of deeper structural issues in Southeast Asia, including economic inequality, weak governance in conflict zones, and the rapid digitisation of crime. The rise of online fraud, in particular, has been accelerated by the global shift to digital platforms, where scammers exploit the anonymity of the internet to target unsuspecting victims worldwide.
For Thailand, the stakes are high. The country’s reputation as a regional hub for tourism and trade could be tarnished if it is perceived as a gateway for transnational crime. Moreover, the influx of repatriated individuals poses logistical and diplomatic challenges, as Bangkok coordinates with multiple governments to ensure safe returns. The diversity of nationalities involved—spanning Asia, Africa, and beyond—further complicates the process, requiring tailored approaches to each case.
If Thailand’s crackdown proves successful, it could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar issues. Cambodia, for instance, has faced criticism for its handling of scam operations in areas like Sihanoukville, where Chinese-run compounds have drawn international scrutiny. A coordinated regional strategy, potentially led by Thailand, might offer a blueprint for dismantling these networks, though political will and resource allocation remain significant hurdles.
Challenges and Uncertainties Ahead
Despite the progress made, uncertainties loom over the long-term impact of Thailand’s actions. The volatile situation in Myanmar, where armed conflict and political upheaval continue to destabilise border regions, limits the scope for effective collaboration. Myawaddy, controlled by a mix of local militias and opposition forces, remains a challenging environment for enforcement, with criminal groups often operating under the protection of powerful local actors.
Additionally, the sheer scale of the scam industry suggests that dismantling operations in one area may simply displace them to another. Without addressing root causes—such as poverty and lack of legal employment opportunities—vulnerable individuals will continue to be drawn into these schemes, whether by choice or coercion. If regional governments fail to tackle these underlying issues, the problem risks becoming a game of whack-a-mole, with new hubs emerging as old ones are shut down.
For now, Thailand’s commitment to the fight is evident. The Rachamanu Task Force’s vigilance along the border, coupled with high-level police operations, sends a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated. Yet, as Pol Gen Thatchai noted, distinguishing between victims and criminals is no easy task. This nuanced approach, balancing enforcement with empathy, will be crucial in ensuring that the crackdown targets the right players without further harming those already exploited.
A Call for Global Attention
The scam centres along the Thailand-Myanmar border are not just a regional issue; they are a global one. The billions of dollars siphoned through these operations affect victims across continents, from individuals losing life savings to businesses targeted by sophisticated cyber-fraud. International support, whether through funding, intelligence sharing, or diplomatic pressure, could amplify Thailand’s efforts, turning a national campaign into a global stand against digital crime.
As Thailand presses forward, the world watches. The outcome of this crackdown could shape the future of transnational crime prevention in Southeast Asia, offering lessons on the power—and limitations—of regional cooperation. For the thousands still trapped in Myawaddy’s scam hubs, the hope is that rescue comes sooner rather than later, and with it, a chance to rebuild lives shattered by exploitation.
