India to rescue 500 citizens trapped in Thailand after Myanmar cyber scam hub crackdown

International News: Nearly 500 Indians have been detained in Thailand after they fled across the border from Myanmar. These individuals were caught during a crackdown on scam centres operating near the border. Local reports suggest that many were either trapped as victims or accused of being part of cyber fraud operations. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that the group included both innocent workers and possible perpetrators.

How is India responding?

The Ministry of External Affairs has stepped in quickly. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Thailand is working with local authorities to confirm the identities of those detained. Once legal checks are completed, they will be flown back to India. Officials said the government is preparing to send a special plane to ensure a safe and direct repatriation of all Indian nationals.

What are scam hubs?

Scam hubs in Myanmar are part of a large criminal network spread across Southeast Asia. These centres force trafficked workers, including many Indians, into online fraud and illegal cyber activities. Victims are lured with promises of good jobs, only to find themselves trapped in unsafe conditions. The UN has already warned that such centres also exist in Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Have such rescues happened before?

This is not the first such incident. Earlier in March, India successfully rescued and repatriated 549 nationals trapped in similar scam facilities near the Myanmar–Thailand border. Officials said the pattern is repeating as more hubs are being exposed. Families in India have been raising concerns, pressing the government for quick action whenever reports of such trafficking surface.

What do victims say?

Survivors of these scam hubs often describe horrifying experiences. Many were forced to work up to 16 hours daily, under strict monitoring and threats of violence. Some had their passports seized, leaving no way to escape. Others were made to trick people through fake online schemes. Those who managed to cross into Thailand say they took dangerous jungle routes to save themselves from brutal captors.

How big is the crisis?

Reports suggest that thousands of people from different countries are currently stuck in such centres. The crackdown in Myanmar triggered panic among operators, leading to mass escapes towards Thailand. Among them were nearly 500 Indians now under Thai custody. Officials say it is difficult to separate victims from those willingly involved in scams, which is why verification before repatriation is essential.

What happens next?

The Indian government has assured families that all efforts are being made to bring the detained nationals home. Coordination between New Delhi and Bangkok remains strong, with legal formalities being handled quickly. Once completed, the rescued Indians will be flown back safely. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that no innocent Indian is left behind in the dangerous cyber scam hubs of Southeast Asia.