India is preparing to repatriate around 500 of its citizens detained by Thai authorities after they crossed into Thailand from Myanmar, fleeing online scam compounds recently targeted by Myanmar’s military.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the detained individuals include Indian nationals. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian embassy in Bangkok is in close touch with Thai authorities to confirm their identities and facilitate their safe return once legal procedures are completed.
“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 in Thailand,” Jaiswal said.
The detentions come in the wake of raids by Myanmar’s military on several online scam centres operating along the border region. Many of these centres, including one known as KK Park, have been accused of coercing or misleading foreign workers into cybercrime and fraudulent online activities. Following the raids, hundreds of workers—among them Indian nationals—escaped across the Moei River into Thailand’s Tak province to avoid arrest or retribution.
Thai officials said that the individuals entering Thailand came from more than two dozen countries, with many claiming to have been trafficked or deceived by fake job offers.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that nearly 500 Indian nationals are currently in Mae Sot, a border town near Myanmar. He added that India plans to send an aircraft to bring them home once Thai authorities grant clearance.
The MEA has prioritised the verification process, legal formalities, and safe repatriation of those detained. Indian officials are also expected to assist citizens who were victims of trafficking and help them reintegrate upon their return.
The situation has highlighted how parts of Southeast Asia have become hubs for online scam operations, particularly after Myanmar’s 2021 military takeover, which weakened governance and law enforcement. Regional governments, including India, Thailand, and Myanmar, have been cooperating to trace recruitment networks that lure people abroad under false promises of employment.
Once brought home, the repatriated Indians will undergo counselling and debriefing to document their experiences and support investigations into trafficking and fraud networks.
