Myanmar (Web Desk): In a significant operation near the Myanmar border, the Thai military has rescued hundreds of foreign nationals, including 38 Pakistanis, from online fraud centers. These centers had become increasingly active in the region, exploiting individuals with fraudulent job offers and scams.
The rescued Pakistani citizens were transported to Bangkok's immigration center by Thai authorities.
Thai officials have also confirmed that there are additional Pakistanis who managed to escape from the fraud centers and reached shelter houses. The Thai government has written to the Pakistani authorities, requesting the phased return of deported individuals.
Thai authorities have asked Pakistani institutions to conduct thorough investigations into the deported individuals and take stringent action against the agents behind the scams. Furthermore, they have requested that the names of the rescued Pakistanis be added to the Exit Control List (ECL) for a period of five years.
Pakistani officials have expressed deep concern about the growing network of online fraud centers operating in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia, which lure people with fake job offers. According to the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), many young people are lured to these countries on work visas, only to be imprisoned and forced into labor.
Authorities have urged the public to be cautious and avoid falling into the trap of illegal and fraudulent online job offers. They have specifically warned young people to stay away from unverified job offers and to apply only for jobs that are certified through legitimate channels.