Bangkok: The Minister of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the Prime Minister's commitment to intensify efforts against call centers, emphasizing an ongoing and relentless approach. Building on recent collaborations involving victims from three countries, the Foreign Minister aims to extend these initiatives further, particularly by severing utilities at the border and dismantling call center operations in other regions. Urgent coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is underway to support victims awaiting repatriation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Maris Sengiampong, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the need for international cooperation in tackling the issue of call center and online scams, following a tripartite meeting with Mr. Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of Public Security of China, and Mr. Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs of Myanmar. The Minister stressed that these problems cannot be resolved by one nation alone and must adhere to the policy set by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, ensuring the crackdown on call centers persists.
Mr. Maris further elaborated on the trilateral discussions, which centered on two primary objectives: the crackdown on illegal operations and the repatriation of victims to their respective countries. As part of the suppression strategy, Thailand will maintain measures like cutting off utilities at the Thai-Myanmar border. The meeting also agreed to bolster collaboration in information sharing and victim screening, extending crime suppression operations through a coordinated effort among the three countries, including security representatives from both the Chinese and Myanmar embassies in Thailand, along with the Royal Thai Police.
Regarding the repatriation of victims, Mr. Maris outlined the categorization of the victims into two groups. The Chinese victims, forming the majority, can be promptly repatriated due to well-established procedures and readiness from the Chinese government. For victims of other nationalities, verification by their respective national authorities is required. Myanmar has agreed to enable verification processes through their embassies or consulates in Thailand, facilitating a smooth return via Thailand. Discussions have also been held with international organizations like IOM to explore assistance methods for those awaiting return, emphasizing humanitarian support for the large numbers still in Myawaddy.