Up to 100,000 Remain in Myanmar Scam Hubs, Thai Police Report

Despite ongoing multinational crackdowns, scam centers along the Thai-Myanmar border still operate with around 100,000 individuals employed in these facilities, according to Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot. These centers are part of a larger Southeast Asian network that generates significant illicit revenue, often using trafficked individuals, as noted by the United Nations. However, early assessments indicate that many of the roughly 5,000 people rescued from these hubs voluntarily traveled to Myawaddy seeking work, contradicting claims that all were victims of trafficking. Jason Tower from the U.S. Institute of Peace highlights that while some willingly engaged in scam operations, many later realized they were trapped. The issue gained renewed attention following the abduction of a Chinese actor earlier this year. Authorities emphasize the need for thorough investigations to differentiate between victims and those complicit in the scams.