Thousands Freed from Myanmar Scam Compounds Face Prolonged Detention

Over 7,000 trafficking survivors remain trapped in overcrowded facilities with limited aid, awaiting repatriation efforts from their home countries.

A joint operation by Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar authorities freed over 7,000 people from scam compounds where they were forced into cyber fraud under abusive conditions.
Many survivors, originating from 29 countries, are now held in overcrowded and unsanitary facilities guarded by armed militia groups, with limited access to food and medical care.
Repatriation efforts are slow, with some detainees stranded due to lack of resources, such as $600 plane tickets, and limited capacity for processing by Thai authorities.
Advocates warn that the crackdown has not dismantled the scam networks, as no major arrests have been made and compounds continue to operate using backup resources like generators and satellite internet.
The situation has drawn international concern, with calls for coordinated global action to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further exploitation.