China Commends Thailand's Role in Myanmar Scam Crackdown, Over 6,600 Suspects Repatriated

China Praises Thailand for Anti-Scam Efforts

China has officially commended Thailand for its significant role in a successful crackdown on online scam operations originating from Myanmar. This collaborative effort has resulted in the repatriation of over 6,600 Chinese suspects involved in these illicit activities. The commendation underscores a growing regional commitment to combating cross-border cyber fraud and human trafficking.

Liu Zhongyi, the Assistant Minister of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, expressed admiration for Thailand's efforts during a meeting with Gen Direk Bongkarn, Head of the Center for Coordination with Neighboring Countries at the Royal Thai Army Operations Center. Chinese President Xi Jinping also previously praised Thailand's actions during a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in February 2025.

Joint Operations Target Myanmar's Scam Hubs

The crackdown focused on notorious scam centers located in Myanmar's Myawaddy region, including areas like KK Park and Shwekokko, which had become hubs for international fraud rings. Thai authorities played a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of suspects, with operations involving the cutting off of electricity and internet services to these scam enclaves to cripple their activities.

Repatriation efforts have been ongoing, with multiple batches of suspects returned to China. For instance, 1,178 Chinese nationals were sent back in early December, followed by another 1,208 individuals in a subsequent operation. As of December 16, 2025, China began repatriating another 1,000 suspected Chinese scammers, utilizing charter flights under the cooperation of China, Thailand, and Myanmar.

The Pervasive Threat of Online Scams and Human Trafficking

These online scam operations primarily target mainland Chinese citizens and the diaspora, often involving sophisticated schemes such as romance scams, investment fraud, and illegal gambling. A significant and disturbing aspect of these syndicates is the widespread human trafficking, where individuals are lured with false job promises and then forced into virtual slavery within the scam compounds.

The plight of victims gained international attention with the high-profile case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was reportedly lured to Thailand under the pretense of a film role and subsequently trafficked to a scam operation in Myawaddy. His rescue highlighted the dangers and prompted renewed scrutiny and action from both Thai and Chinese authorities.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation Against Cybercrime

The successful crackdown is a testament to enhanced trilateral cooperation. Officials from Thailand, China, and Myanmar have held meetings, agreeing to establish a Joint Task Force to share intelligence and evidence within 24 hours of requests. Thailand's Anti-Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) is set to serve as a central coordination hub for information exchange.

China has also urged Thailand to collaborate with Cambodia on similar operations, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to combat cross-border online scamming rings across the region. Furthermore, Bangkok recently hosted the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams, bringing together delegates from 60 countries to foster a more coordinated response to transnational cybercrime. These ongoing efforts aim to dismantle criminal networks, protect citizens, and maintain regional stability and public safety.