Thailand Repatriates 260 Human Trafficking Victims from Myanmar

In a significant operation, Thailand has received 260 human trafficking victims from Myanmar, primarily Ethiopians, who were forced to work in online scam centers. This repatriation is part of a broader crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud along the Thai-Myanmar border, which is notorious for such illegal operations. The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, a local insurgent group, played a crucial role in rescuing these individuals from conditions of virtual slavery. Many of the victims were tricked into taking jobs that turned into exploitative scenarios, with reports of severe abuse and forced labor. Thai authorities have emphasized their commitment to repatriate victims quickly, although concerns remain about accommodating those whose home countries refuse to accept them. The ongoing operations have been influenced by international pressures, particularly from China, following the abduction of a Chinese actor in the region.