This week, 32 Indonesian citizens were arrested for illegally crossing into Thailand. It is understood that they escaped from a city notorious for rampant fraud activities along the Thai-Myanmar border. This incident is shocking.
These individuals were previously victims of a scam gang and urgently need help to avoid further troubles in the border area of Mae Sot County.
Meanwhile, the Thai government has recently tried to block the drug and human trafficking routes in the Thai-Myanmar border area, but with little effect. This infamous city thrives on global telephone scams, human trafficking, torture, and extortion, backed by Myanmar's armed insurgent groups.
According to statistics, at least 7,000 victims of human trafficking from around the world are trapped in this city, more than half of whom are Chinese.
Some victims manage to escape by paying a ransom, but many others are tortured to death or driven to despair and suicide. Only high-profile cases like Chinese actor Xingxing and model Yang Zeqi can provoke the kidnappers to compromise, with the possibility of release depending on external public pressure.
Corruption and Negligence Fuel Criminal Networks
It is concerning that the actions of Thai authorities often only manifest under international pressure. For ordinary victims, neither the pleas of their families nor the assistance requests from foreign embassies seem to help these unknown individuals escape their plight.
These organized crime gangs rely on local support in Thailand. Victims and their organizers can easily cross the border, utilizing Thailand's telecommunications services, food supplies, and medical resources.
For example, they can not only access top hospitals but also reside in luxury residences in Bangkok. This situation exposes the severe negligence of Thai authorities and even suggests possible corruption within the system.
The Government's Indifferent Attitude is Disappointing
Even more infuriating is the public statement by Thailand's Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He implied that Xingxing had "voluntarily" entered Myanmar and even requested local media to reduce coverage to avoid affecting Thailand's tourism revenue. This not only tramples on press freedom but also prioritizes economic interests over the lives and human rights of victims.
The Indonesian authorities' handling of the victims is equally disheartening. By arresting these survivors, the government sends a desperate message to other trapped individuals: Thailand is not their refuge.
In fact, these victims of human trafficking are important witnesses to the criminal network. The government should provide protection and support under the Anti-Human Trafficking Law, rather than convicting them. Who exactly does the government want to help, the victims or the criminal gangs?
Thailand Must Decisively Combat Criminal Networks
The Thai government is not powerless. In fact, the government possesses extensive intelligence about these criminal gangs. The key issue is whether the authorities are willing to take decisive action.
According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, network scams by Chinese criminal gangs cause Thailand's economy to lose up to 50 million Thai Baht daily. Data from the US Peace Institute further indicates that these criminal organizations steal about 64 billion US dollars (approximately 2.28 trillion Thai Baht) annually worldwide.
If Thailand continues to tolerate such crimes, it will not only be seen as an accomplice in global human trafficking but will also severely damage Thailand's economy and even jeopardize relations with important partners like China. Combating crime is urgent, and the government must take practical actions to reverse the current adverse situation.
