The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said it is working to bring back nearly 500 Indians detained in Thailand after they crossed over from Myanmar following a major crackdown on scam hubs operating along the border.
India confirms detention, begins verification
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Indian nationals have been detained by Thai authorities in recent days.
“We are aware of Indian nationals who have been detained by Thai authorities. They had crossed into Thailand from Myanmar over the past few days. Our Mission in Thailand is working closely with Thai authorities to verify their nationality and to repatriate them, after necessary legal formalities are completed,” Jaiswal said in a statement.
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Though the MEA did not give an exact number, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that nearly 500 Indians had crossed the border amid the crackdown. He added that the Indian government would send a special plane to bring them back once paperwork is cleared.
Victims and suspects among those detained
Officials said those detained include both victims and alleged perpetrators of cyber scam operations that have expanded across Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines.
UN findings have previously revealed that several such scam centres operate as part of a larger transnational criminal network, forcing trafficked workers into online fraud.
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Past repatriations and growing concern
Earlier this year, India had repatriated 549 nationals rescued from similar facilities along the Myanmar–Thailand border. The current detentions underscore the growing regional challenge of human trafficking and cybercrime networks exploiting vulnerable workers.
The MEA said the process of repatriation will begin once Thai authorities complete identification and legal formalities.
