Human trafficking at Thailand's border: 1,233 new victims discovered!

Human trafficking at Thailand's border: 1,233 new victims discovered!

In recent days, the border region between Thailand and Myanmar has once again attracted the spotlight. On October 25, 2025, the deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut the city of Mae Sot in Tak Province to review the situation at the border. The focus of interest was the 1,233 people who have so far arrived from the Karen State of Myanmar (KK Park), who are being checked in a screening process.

As prachatai.com reports, there have been 124 checks conducted so far in which two victims of human trafficking were identified. These two people were placed in a protection and care program to safely return them to their home country. However, those who are not identified as victims face criminal consequences - be it prison sentences or fines, which are monitored by the immigration authorities.

Repatriation of victims

Collaboration between Thai and Myanmar authorities has also resulted in 260 people who were victims of call center gangs being sent back to Myanmar in recent days. In an initial announcement, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said 53 people were initially scheduled to be repatriated. However, that number quickly increased to 261, nationthailand.com reported.

The repatriation took place through the Phop Phra border crossing in Tak, where the Goltooboh unit of the Karen Buddhist Democratic Army handed over the 260 victims to Thai security forces. This operation is supported by various authorities, including military and local police units, who are responsible for the safe reception and triage of victims.

International dimension

Efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation also have an international dimension, as [thepattayanews.de](https://thepattayanews.de/2025/02/16/Myanmars- Grenzschutz-rettet-2000-Opfer-von-Humantraffic–die-H%C3%A4lfte-davon-sind-Chinesen/) highlights. Myanmar's border guards have recently rescued around 2,000 people, including many Chinese citizens, from Shwe Kokko. These people were often victims of call center fraud.

A visit by Liu Zhongyi, China's vice minister of public security, to the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge highlights both countries' commitment to repatriate victims while improving the security situation. The reception center in Tak has a capacity of 200 to 500 people per day, which shows how seriously the situation is being taken.

The situation at the borders remains critical, especially given the increasing numbers. Exchanges and cooperation between the authorities of both countries are essential to ensure safe return and assistance to victims of human trafficking.