The government of Myanmar has been thoroughly investigating individuals involved in online scams and online gambling. In particular, Myanmar is continuously cooperating with China and Thailand through a trilateral cooperation.

As part of this effort, 30 Filipinos and 23 Lao nationals, who were involved in these illegal activities in the Maethawtalay area in the Kayin State, were detained. Following humanitarian considerations and friendship between nations, and following the legal procedures, these individuals were transferred to their respective countries via the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge II. In addition, 230 foreign nationals have been further investigated and apprehended.

Colonel Min Thu Kyaw, Minister for Security and Border Affairs of the Kayin State government, and other responsible officials first conducted an inspection yesterday morning regarding the provisions for foreign nationals who are to be transferred back to their respective countries. This includes matters related to their accommodation, food, health, and security. The officials reviewed the arrangements in place and instructed the relevant department authorities to address any requirements.

Subsequently, a repatriation ceremony was held and it was attended by Colonel Min Thu Kyaw and other responsible officials, including Mr Peter John V Dela Fuente, Third Secretary of the Philippines Embassy (Yangon), Mr Heuangchalern Phommasone, Third Secretary of the Lao Embassy, and officials from the Immigration Department of Tak Province, Thailand. Myanmar officials handed over the relevant documentation for the repatriation process to the respective officials from the countries concerned.

Similarly, today, 230 foreign nationals who had entered through illegal routes into the Maethawtalay area in Myawady were further investigated, discovered, and detained. The relevant authorities are currently collecting personal information, records, and other necessary documentation to facilitate their swift repatriation to their respective countries, with the cooperation of the relevant departments.

From 30 January to 24 March 2025, a total of 8,432 foreign nationals who had entered Myanmar illegally were identified, investigated, and detained. Of these, 5,200 individuals were systematically repatriated to their respective countries through Thailand, as per legal procedures. The remaining 3,232 foreign nationals are now ready to be transferred to their respective countries, and they are being carefully and securely managed.

The government is actively working to identify and arrest individuals involved in online scam operations, as well as foreign nationals who are pulling the strings behind the scenes. In addition, efforts are being made to take firm and decisive action. Furthermore, the government is actively collaborating to swiftly repatriate foreign nationals who have suffered hardship or been victims of human trafficking to their respective countries.

MNA/MKKS

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