Thousands of victims of human trafficking remain stranded in Myanmar following a major crackdown on scam compounds along the Thai-Myanmar border. While authorities have rescued many individuals from these notorious operations, the slow process of repatriation has left many in dire conditions, raising serious humanitarian concerns.
Among those pleading for help is an Ethiopian man who identifies himself as Mike. Speaking over the phone, he described the grim conditions inside a makeshift camp where he and 450 others are being housed under the control of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA).
"I swear to God I need help," he said quietly, struggling with panic attacks and deteriorating health. For a year, he was forced to work in a scam center under brutal conditions, enduring long hours, regular beatings, and relentless pressure to defraud unsuspecting victims online.
Myanmar’s border regions, particularly Karen State, have long been notorious for housing scam centers operated by Chinese crime syndicates. These centers lure workers—mainly from South and Southeast Asia—with false promises of high-paying jobs. Once trapped, victims are forced to engage in online fraud, using AI-driven deception tactics to trick people worldwide into transferring money to fake investment schemes.
Many workers, like Mike, were subjected to harsh punishments for failing to meet scam targets. Reports indicate that detainees were given electric shocks, confined in dark rooms, or physically assaulted. Some managed to escape, only to find themselves caught in another form of captivity, stranded in Myanmar with no means of returning home.
The recent crackdown on these operations was prompted by growing pressure from China and Thailand. Thai authorities cut power and telecommunications to the compounds, restricted banking access to scam operators, and issued arrest warrants against militia leaders involved in protecting these businesses.
While this has disrupted scam activities, it has also left thousands of freed workers in limbo. Over 7,000 people remain in Myanmar, housed in makeshift camps under the limited care of local militia groups. Reports suggest that conditions in these camps are dire, with severe overcrowding, insufficient food, and inadequate sanitation.
Judah Tana, an Australian activist working with trafficking victims, expressed concern over the health crisis developing among the freed workers. "We are hearing distressing information about the lack of sanitation and toilets. Many of the 260 who already came were screened for TB and tested positive. People inside are coughing up blood. They are very happy to have been liberated, but we are not engaging fast enough," he said.
Repatriating these individuals has proven complex. Some governments have been slow to respond, while others require financial support to arrange flights. Thailand is hesitant to bring over large numbers without proper screening, fearing it may be left responsible for their long-term care. The repatriation process also involves multiple Thai ministries and agencies, slowing down decision-making.
Some progress has been made, with 260 workers crossing into Thailand earlier this month and 621 Chinese nationals flown back home. A group of 94 Indonesians is expected to leave soon after their embassy secured flights. However, thousands remain in limbo, including 130 Ethiopians whose country lacks diplomatic representation in Bangkok.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has vowed to continue efforts to combat scam operations, but little has been said about the fate of those stranded. Meanwhile, concerns grow that the DKBA may eventually return the freed workers to their former captors if no immediate solutions are found.
"I just want to go home," Mike said, his voice breaking. "That is all I am asking."
As authorities debate the next steps, the victims remain trapped, caught between a criminal past they never chose and an uncertain future.