More than 1,000 people have crossed into Thailand from Myanmar this week, creating a humanitarian and legal challenge as Thai authorities work to determine if the new arrivals are victims of human trafficking or illegal immigrants fleeing a military crackdown on a major online scam center.
The influx, primarily of Chinese nationals but also including individuals from over a dozen other countries, followed a raid by Myanmar’s military on “KK Park,” described as one of the largest transnational call center operations in the region.
Thai officials in Tak province reported 1,049 crossings into Mae Sot district between Wednesday morning and Friday morning. This figure marked a significant increase from 677 reported by Thursday morning.
Deputy Governor Suwanit Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya stated that most of the arrivals are believed to be from KK Park, though investigations are ongoing.
Immigration authorities are screening individuals to identify potential human trafficking victims. Those not identified as victims may face charges for illegal entry.
The Myanmar military announced Monday it had raided KK Park, situated across the border from Thailand, seizing several Starlink satellite internet devices.
This seizure follows an AFP investigation last week highlighting the growing use of Starlink technology in such scam operations.
SpaceX, the provider of Starlink, confirmed Wednesday it had disabled over 2,500 Starlink devices linked to Myanmar call center gangs.
These fortified cyber scam centers have proliferated along Myanmar’s border areas amidst years of civil conflict.
Experts indicate that while some workers are coerced into these operations through human trafficking, others willingly join, drawn by the prospect of high earnings from the multi-billion dollar illicit industry.