Myanmar Scam Center Escapees Describe Nightmarish Conditions in Thailand

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Escapees from a notorious human trafficking scam center in Myanmar have recounted their harrowing experiences, detailing torture and forced labor, following a crackdown on such operations. The 19-year-old Ethiopian victim, Yotor, reported receiving daily electric shocks and physical punishments for failing to meet work targets. Meanwhile, Faysal, a 21-year-old from Bangladesh, stated that they were coerced into scamming individuals over messaging platforms, claiming, "We are not scammers. We are victims."

According to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, around 260 individuals, primarily trafficked victims, were sent from Myanmar to Thailand as authorities intensify their efforts to dismantle these illegal operations. The United Nations has highlighted the extensive scale of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, where criminal syndicates exploit vulnerable individuals.

Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that approximately 7,000 people, many suffering similar fates, await transfer to Thailand. The recent crackdown was galvanized by the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was lured to Thailand under false pretenses, underscoring the urgency of addressing this escalating humanitarian crisis.

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