A total of 336 foreign nationals involved in telecom fraud and related crimes were repatriated to their home countries through the Myanmar–Thailand Friendship Bridge II, according to official sources. The move was carried out as per international legal procedures, with consideration for humanitarian principles and bilateral friendship.
These individuals illegally entered Myanmar through border routes from neighbouring countries, including Thailand, and were operating illegal online gambling and scam activities in areas such as Myawady-Shwe Kokko, Maetawthalay (KK Park), and Kyaukkhat in Kayin State. The group included 35 Pakistani nationals, one South African, 211 Vietnamese nationals, and 89 Ethiopian nationals.
To ensure proper procedures and smooth coordination for the repatriation process, Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs U Saw Tun Aung and relevant officials met with interdepartmental teams on the morning of the repatriation. They inspected the repatriation process, ensuring accuracy and completeness of documentation and addressed any necessary follow-ups.
Following the inspection, a formal handover ceremony was held. Attendees included Minister U Saw Tun Aung and officials from Myanmar, as well as representatives from the embassies of the countries concerned. Myanmar officials formally handed over all related documentation for the repatriation to the respective embassy representatives.
From 30 January to 13 May 2025, Myanmar authorities apprehended a total of 9,059 foreign nationals who had entered the country illegally. Of these, 8,132 individuals were repatriated to their home countries via Thailand, while the remaining 927 foreign nationals are currently being prepared for transfer and are under secure custody.
Myanmar authorities are actively working to identify, arrest and take strong legal action against foreign nationals involved in online scam operations, particularly those who are masterminds behind such schemes. Simultaneously, efforts are ongoing to promptly repatriate foreign nationals who were victimized or trafficked, in close cooperation with their respective governments.
MNA/KZL
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