More than 60 Kenyans who were rescued from Myanmar’s notorious cyberscam compounds are now stranded at the border with Thailand, facing “dire” conditions, according to Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs. These individuals are among thousands of foreign workers who have been lured to Myanmar’s lawless borderlands with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be held hostage and forced to participate in online fraud schemes.

Thailand receives 260 foreigners rescued from Myanmar scam gangs

Cyberscam operations have flourished in Myanmar’s border regions for several years, exploiting vulnerable workers from around the world. Once these workers arrive, they are often detained against their will and coerced into committing online scams. Under pressure from China, a key ally, Myanmar has recently cracked down on some of these operations, freeing approximately 7,000 workers from over two dozen countries.

The 64 Kenyans were among those rescued, but their ordeal is far from over. According to a statement posted on Monday, March 4th, 2025, on X (formerly Twitter) by Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the group remains stuck at the Myanmar-Thailand border. “They are yet to cross the border to Thailand for onward repatriation to their home countries,” the statement read. The delay is attributed to Thai authorities not reopening the border crossing since February 12th, 2025, when the first wave of 260 foreigners, including 23 Kenyans, were handed over to the Royal Thai Army.

https://t.co/hDi4QeYOSi

Kenya Moves to Repatriate 64 Citizens Rescued from Myanmar Trafficking Ring

The Kenyan government is in negotiations with Thailand to reopen the Thai-Myanmar border, facilitating the evacuation of 64 Kenyans rescued from a human trafficking network in…

— ODRIMEDIA.co.ke (@odrimedia) March 3, 2025

As a result, the rescued workers are now living in makeshift camps at the border under harsh conditions. The statement highlighted the lack of access to basic necessities such as medical facilities, clean water, and electricity, describing the situation as “dire.” The Kenyan government has expressed concern over the well-being of its citizens and is actively exploring alternative routes to facilitate their safe return home.

The plight of these workers underscores the global reach of cyberscam operations and the challenges faced by governments in rescuing and repatriating their citizens. Last week, about 600 Chinese nationals were successfully repatriated from Myanmar via Thailand, highlighting the complexities of cross-border coordination in such operations.

Kenyan man escapes scam center in Myanmar, runs over hills to Thai border

Kenyan authorities are working diligently to resolve the situation and bring their citizens home. However, the delay at the border has left the rescued workers in a precarious position, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Myanmar’s border regions. As the world watches, the hope remains that these individuals will soon be reunited with their families and provided with the support they need to recover from their traumatic experiences.

-Thailand News (TN)