9 November 2023 at 7:11 p.m.
Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the assistant federal police chief, announced on Wednesday that more than 200 Thais will become repatriated from a war-torn region in Myanmar this week after the government issues the all-clear.
According to Pol Gen Surachate, the Myanmar government freed 162 Thais from a motel in Laukkaing and transported them to safety at an area military camp after clashes between Myanmar forces and ethnic rebel groups.
But, Pol Gen Surachate noted that 74 Thais have been injured as a result of being beaten up by call-center scammers, which could make the process of repatriating them more difficult given the ongoing fight between the Myanmar military and opposition forces.
He claimed that officials are speaking with immigration authorities in Myanmar about a protected passage for the Thais.
But, Pol Gen Surachate said that the 200 Thais, including the 74 injured, are anticipated to be repatriated later this week if Myanmar government grant authority.
He had personally bring the Thais home after traveling to the spot chosen for the resettlement.
The majority of the Thais who were saved, according to Pol Gen Surachate, went to Myanmar on their own initiative to work for nefarious call-center groups, while some were tricked into doing so by mortal traffickers.
He claimed to have the record of those Thais and the time when they return to Thailand.
Those who willingly assisted the call-center con artists will face charges of fraud and international violence. According to Pol Gen Surachate, those who were duped may be compensated in accordance with the law.
The Thais will be received in Lincang of Yunnan state, which is about 4 kilometers from the China-Myanmar frontier town of Laukkaing, according to deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara.
He claimed that several of them do not have passports or permits, and that the nationality verification process is still continuous.
The problem is being resolved by the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon so they can cross the border.