Chinese anti-scam team arrives in Myawaddy
The 11 investigators first travelled to Thailand and then flew from Bangkok on a Nok Air flight to Mae Sot, in Tak province, on Sunday evening. They then crossed the border to Myawaddy.
The source said the Chinese CIB officials, part of Beijing's Ministry of Public Security, planned talks with Myanmar officials on assistance for Chinese victims of scam centres in Myawaddy and would urge Myanmar authorities to take strong action against those still operating in border areas.
The team's arrival followed a report that another Chinese model was lured to Thailand for a "photoshoot" early last month, and was instead whisked off to Myanmar.
The deception repeated the fate of Chinese actor Wang Xing who went missing near the Thai-Myanmar border and was later rescued from Myanmar in January this year. Wang told officials that a compatriot had enticed him to come to Thailand, and he had been taken away for scam-centre training in Myanmar.
In late January a Chinese assistant minister for public security arrived in Thailand to plan help for Chinese victims of scam centres in Myanmar.
That led to concerted action against the scam gangs operating from buildings in Myanmar bordering Thailand. A lot of foreigners tricked and put to work by the gangsters were rescued and repatriated, including many Chinese.
Thai support included cutting off power, fuel and internet services to these border regions in February.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
12 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Thai army reaffirms commitment to sovereignty, international law amid Cambodia conflict
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and upholding international law amid rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. At a briefing held on Friday for diplomats, military attachés, and media representatives, the RTA provided a detailed account of recent developments and reiterated its stance in favour of peaceful, bilateral dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict with Cambodia. Chronology of incidents The RTA outlined a series of provocations by Cambodian forces, beginning in early 2025: • Feb 13: Cambodian soldiers brought tourists to Ta Muen Thom temple and encouraged them to sing nationalist songs. • Feb 28: The Tri Muk Pavilion, symbolising Thai-Cambodian-Laos cooperation, was allegedly set on fire by Cambodian forces. • March–April: Cambodian troops reportedly modified the terrain along the border to fortify positions and dig trenches, constituting territorial encroachment. • April–May: Satellite imagery analysis by foreign researchers confirmed increased deployment of Cambodian troops and military hardware closer to the Thai-Cambodian border. • May 28: Cambodian forces initiated a skirmish at Chong Bok, prompting a defensive response from Thai troops. In July, Cambodian soldiers reportedly planted PMN-2 anti-personnel mines inside Thai territory, injuring two Thai soldiers, both of whom lost their legs. The RTA condemned the act as a serious breach of humanitarian principles and a violation of the Ottawa Convention, to which both countries are signatories. International partners have since assisted in demining operations. Provocations and clashes The RTA accused Cambodia of further provocations, including deploying plainclothes and uniformed soldiers disguised as civilians to border areas, particularly around the Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples. These activities allegedly incited unrest and led to confrontations with Thai forces. On July 24, Cambodian troops reportedly attacked Ta Muen Thom Temple using small arms, mortars, and other weapons, escalating the conflict into full-scale clashes. The RTA reported that Cambodia then launched widespread assaults using artillery and BM-21 multiple rocket launchers to attack the Thai side along the entire border, deliberately targeting civilian objectives located nearly 10 to 30 kilometers from the border. Strikes hit Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province, a PTT petrol station in Kantharalak, Si Sa Ket province, and civilian residences in Surin, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani, resulting in 15 deaths—including an 8-year-old child—and 36 injuries. Over 150,000 civilians were displaced. Thai response under international law The RTA stressed that its response was consistent with the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and that Thai military operations were proportionate, targeted only at military objectives, and aimed at minimising civilian harm. In contrast, the army accused Cambodia of deliberately positioning military equipment in civilian areas to use civilians as human shields, violating international humanitarian law. Thailand, it said, refrained from retaliating against such positions to avoid further civilian casualties. Ceasefire violations Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Malaysia on July 28, the RTA reported that Cambodian forces continued operations in multiple locations through July 30, including: • Chong Bok (Ubon Ratchathani) • Sam Tae, Pha Mor E Daeng, Phu Ma Khua/Khanmar, Phlan Yao (Si Sa Ket) • Ta Kwai Temple (Surin) On July 31, Cambodia was also accused of increasing troop presence and deploying drones for reconnaissance inside Thai territory. Disinformation and chemical weapons allegations The Thai army strongly denied Cambodian accusations that it had violated international law or invaded Cambodian territory. It reaffirmed its respect for the UN Charter, particularly Article 2(4) prohibiting the use of force in international disputes. The RTA dismissed allegations of chemical weapons use as 'baseless and malicious', reiterating Thailand's full compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Images circulated by Cambodia purportedly showing chemical bombs were, according to the RTA, taken from a 2022 California wildfire operation and widely available online. Use of airpower and heavy weaponry The deployment of F-16 fighter jets and heavy artillery by Thai forces was described as a legitimate, proportionate response to Cambodian military aggression. The RTA maintained that all strikes were directed at military targets and not civilians. Cambodia's claims that Thai MK-84 bombs had struck civilian areas were also rejected. The RTA argued the images presented were outdated and unrelated, with some bombs shown likely originating from the Vietnam War era. Call for Dialogue The Thai military criticised Cambodia's move on July 30 to invite foreign military attachés to a combat zone 30km from the border—later diverting them to an active warzone in Chong An Ma—as misleading and irresponsible. In conclusion, the RTA reiterated that Cambodia was the initiator of the latest hostilities and continued to escalate the conflict despite agreeing to a ceasefire. The Thai side urged the international community to view the situation objectively and support efforts for bilateral negotiation. 'Thailand seeks a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and mutual understanding,' the RTA said. 'We call on Cambodia to cease its provocations and return to the negotiating table in good faith.'
Bangkok Post
15 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Stranded Cambodian soldiers returned by Thai Army
Two Cambodian soldiers stranded in Thai territory following recent border clashes have been returned to their home country after receiving aid from the Second Region Army. The Second Region Army reported on Friday morning that it was coordinating with security units and immigration police in Surin to return the two Cambodian soldiers, who were taken into custody after being found stranded in Thai territory following skirmishes between July 24 and 29. Sgt Maj Mom Ritti was found with a broken arm and lacerations on his right hip. Second Lt Ang Uang was reported to be showing symptoms of mental distress caused by the fighting. Both received basic medical treatment, including a specialist assessment for the second lieutenant. Physicians recommended that the mentally affected soldier be returned to his family for care. The army said all actions were carried out in accordance with the Geneva Convention and that the soldiers were treated humanely. It was also reported that the two soldiers pledged not to rejoin the Cambodian side in any further actions against Thailand. Meanwhile, Cybercrime Police reported the arrest of two Cambodian nationals for creating and spreading fake news about a downed F-16 jet. Pol Lt Gen Siriwat Deepo, commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division 1, said his unit is working with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to shut down and block online sources of disinformation aimed at stirring unrest amid the Thai-Cambodian conflict. He said two Cambodian nationals had been detained and were facing legal action after publishing a false story about a downed F-16. He also dismissed another claim falsely attributed to the Royal Thai Police, which said rewards of 100,000 baht were being offered for help in capturing drone operators.
Bangkok Post
15 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Chiang Mai police raid nets 18 Chinese call centre fraudsters
Police arrested 18 Chinese nationals operating a call centre fraud operation from a luxury house that worth over 40 million baht in Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai on July 31, with eight suspects injured after jumping from the second floor while attempting to escape. When officers stormed the premises, they found Chinese men and women working at computers and mobile phones. All suspects attempted to run away, with several jumping from the second floor at a height of over eight metres. Eight people sustained injuries, including one with a broken leg, while others suffered minor cuts and bruises from falls. The search uncovered more than 20 computers, over 100 mobile phones and Chinese SIM cards used to contact victims. The operation had been running for approximately three months, with a Chinese leader renting the house for staff who lived and worked around the clock. Initial investigations revealed suspects received monthly salaries of 50,000-100,000 baht. Their operations included various fraud schemes targeting Chinese victims through online platforms and applications, including fake product sales, airline ticket booking scams, banking transaction problems and extortion calls. Police collected evidence and are looking to identify the real employers.
