A group of 53 call centre workers from eight countries are to be passed from Myanmar to Thai authorities this afternoon at the border.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said today that he has been informed by Myanmar’s government that 53 people, who were working in scam call centres in Myanmar border townships, will be handed to Thailand this afternoon, because they cannot take care of them.
Phumtham did not mention where the foreigners will be handed over, but it is believed that it will take place at the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, in Mae Sot district of Tak, which is opposite Myawaddy township, where two notorious call centre hubs, Shwe Kokko and KK Park, are located.
The people being handed over are from Ethiopia, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Kenya.
Phumtham says that he has informed Myanmar authorities that, if they want Thailand to resume supplies of electricity, petrol and internet, or to ease the pressure being put on Myanmar border townships, they should get their house in order and close down all scam gangs.
He also said that Thailand’s utility cuts to five locations in Myanmar, which began on February 5, are the right approach to dealing with the rampant scam activities in Myanmar, adding that a boycott of or ban on Thai products entering Myanmar, as suggested by some Burmese people, would not work.
Regarding those being handed over to Thai authorities, Phumtham said that they will be interviewed, to determine whether they were actual victims of human trafficking, or went to Myanmar to work in call centres voluntarily.
He said that the screening process will up to a month, after which those who are cleared will return to their home countries.
