Phop Phra: Security forces, police, soldiers, and the administration played a crucial role in assisting Kenyans escape from a scam town in Myanmar, navigating through forests and mountains, and crossing a river to seek help. A Kenyan man, identified as Mr. James, 30 years old, successfully fled from Myawaddy District in Myanmar, located opposite Ban Huai Nam Nak, to seek refuge with Thai authorities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. James recounted his arduous journey of escaping from the scam town by trekking across nearly 10 kilometers of mountainous terrain. His attempt to cross the Moei River led him to the Thai side, where he sought assistance from local villagers. Upon receiving the report from the villagers about a foreigner in distress, officers promptly responded and took Mr. James to Phop Phra Police Station. He bore visible signs of assault on his arms and legs, indicating the harsh conditions he had endured. Consequently, Mr. James was transferred to the Mae Sot District Integration and Screening Center under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for screening as a potential victim of human trafficking.
In other developments in Myawaddy Province, opposite Mae Sot District, large gas stations remain operational but at limited capacity, while smaller stations have shut down due to a fuel shortage. As of February 9, the price of diesel in the area was recorded at 3,960 Kyat per liter (approximately 63.66 baht), and gasoline 95 was priced at 3,620 Kyat per liter (approximately 58.19 baht). Residents in Myawaddy continue to face long queues to refuel, with vehicles lining up for kilometers and enduring hours-long waits to obtain fuel.