Poipet: Officials have successfully facilitated the return of 14 Thai nationals who were deceived into working illegally in Cambodia. The operation, conducted in the early morning hours, involved the International Monetary Fund (IMF), security officials, and the 1202nd Ranger Company, ensuring their safe passage back to Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the individuals had been in Cambodia for periods ranging from a few days to two months, having fallen victim to a romance scam. This scam involved deceitful intimacy followed by financial exploitation, with victims being coerced into purchasing goods under the pretense of earning a commission. The perpetrators have reportedly extracted over 400,000 baht from these individuals, whose accounts were subsequently monitored. During their captivity, the victims were compensated with a meager weekly wage and minimal provisions, while their communication devices were confiscated to prevent external contact.
The news team interviewed a 45-year-old former fried chicken vendor from Sakon Nakhon province, who recounted his ordeal. Lured by a job advertisement on a Facebook group, he was promised a lucrative position in online gambling in Chanthaburi, with no cross-border travel into Cambodia. However, upon arriving in Bangkok, he was directed to open additional bank accounts, purportedly for salary and commission deposits. His subsequent journey to Chanthaburi led to an unexpected crossing into Cambodia, where he was held for 14 days under grim conditions.
Throughout his captivity, he observed a constant influx of new victims, while women were often relocated under mysterious circumstances. The guards, comprising Cambodian, Thai, and Chinese nationals, maintained a stringent regime, leaving him to liken the experience to “hell.” Upon the closure of the casino, he, along with over 20 others, was abandoned in Koh Kong Province. Seizing an opportunity, he contacted authorities using an unconfiscated tablet, leading to their eventual rescue.
Upon his return to Thailand, the man expressed relief, despite facing legal proceedings for illegal immigration. He acknowledged his transgressions and was willing to undergo the judicial process.
Mr. Bird, from the Coordinating Center for Assistance to Thais Abroad, emphasized the continued demand for aid from Thai workers trapped in similar predicaments. His role focuses on facilitating legal repatriation, ensuring the safe return of these individuals without physical harm. However, upon their return, they must confront the legal repercussions of their actions.
Despite the successful rescue of these 14 individuals, numerous Thais remain stranded, awaiting governmental intervention. While some fear recidivism among returning workers, many are genuine victims of deception, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness and preventative measures within Thailand.