Myanmar Repatriates Over 100 Chinese Nationals in Crackdown on Scam Centres

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Myanmar has deported 111 Chinese nationals involved in scam operations, marking the third phase of a major crackdown. The repatriation took place on Saturday (2/22) via Thailand, following two earlier batches sent home on Thursday (2/20) and Friday (2/21).

Authorities expect hundreds more foreigners to be removed from scam compounds in Myanmar, which are reportedly run by criminal networks and involve trafficked individuals forced into online fraud.

The latest group was transferred through the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 2 at Mae Sot, before boarding a Southern China Airlines flight. Thai media captured footage of the deportation, showing individuals moving from buses to the aircraft.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai labeled these scam centres as a “complex transnational crime” and announced stricter border controls, along with measures like cutting fuel and electricity supplies to suspected hubs in Myanmar.

While many claim they were tricked into working at these scam operations, Chinese authorities have classified all those repatriated as “suspects.” China’s foreign ministry praised the coordinated efforts between China, Myanmar, and Thailand, calling it a “thunder-style cooperation” to combat the illegal activities.