MAE SOT— Minutes after Myanmar forces moved to seize control of the China-backed new city project KK-Park in Myawaddy, people of many nationalities scattered from alleged scam centres into Mae Sot, Thailand. Fearing deportation to China, many Chinese scammers have fled into areas inside Myanmar under the Karen armed forces, numbering in the thousands.
Some risked their lives by clinging to foam boxes and swimming across the Moei River into Thailand. Witnesses said a few were swept away by the strong current and disappeared. Residents of Ban Mae Ku Mai Tha Sung reported that one Chinese man who tried to cross the Moei with friends vanished in the river while swimming towards Thai territory.
Many used foam boxes and any container that would float, hoping to reach the Thai bank.
Reporters in Myawaddy confirmed that the Myanmar Junta’s ongoing crackdown on Chinese scam operations in the KK-Park special economic zone at Ei Htu Hta, Myawaddy, Kayin State, has continued.
Myanmar Junta Troops have detained multiple foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, on charges of illegal entry, illegal gambling, and links to scam networks. They also seized internet equipment using satellite signals (Star Link) and other devices.
Foreigners Held in Mae Sot
Authorities from the Ratchamanu Task Force in Mae Sot, Naresuan Force, the district administration, and Tak Immigration have taken all Chinese nationals into custody for questioning. They will be handed to the relevant agencies for further action.
Officials believe more foreigners and some Thais who worked in, or used services within, the KK-Park zone are likely to cross into Thailand or slip into nearby areas inside Myanmar.
Thai agencies are preparing extra holding space if facilities at Tak Immigration and the 346th Border Patrol Police Company reach capacity. Additional sites include the Mae Sot District Volunteer Defence Company and Bodhivijjalaya College in Mae Pa, Mae Sot.
According to Thai Media, the Myanmar Junta is poised for renewed raids, Thai authorities are racing to secure more reception areas, and totals could top one thousand by evening. Authorities set up emergency first-reception zones, provided security, food, and clean water under humanitarian standards and legal procedures.
Numbers Expected to Rise
Officials also observed large groups waiting along the Thai-Myanmar frontier. The situation could worsen if the Myanmar army targets other Chinese crime hubs and scam networks along the border, which remain widespread.
Unconfirmed reports suggest Myanmar forces plan to re-enter KK-Park for fresh searches on Saturday and Sunday, 25 to 26 Oct. The previous sweep left many Chinese and other foreign nationals uncaught and still inside. This has led to forecasts of more crossings along the length of Myawaddy, not only opposite KK-Park.
Mae Sot security officials are urgently expanding reception capacity. Four existing sites in the district already hold more than 500 people and are close to full. Crossings from the scam hubs continue throughout the day, and numbers are expected to rise.
For legal processing, all foreign nationals are now in the victim-screening phase for human trafficking. Police from Mae Sot Station, the Department of Provincial Administration, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security in Tak, and allied agencies are conducting interviews and classification. These steps will take time before further action is taken.
