After 270 Last Week, India Evacuates 197 Nationals From Thailand Amid Crackdown On Myanmar Scam Centres
The Indian nationals were detained in Mae Sot after they had illegally crossed into Thailand from Myanmar. Image courtesy: X.com/@IndiainThailand
In a continuing effort to bring back Indian nationals trapped in cyber scam operations in Myanmar, the Indian Embassy in Thailand announced earlier this week that 197 Indians have been repatriated from Mae Sot, Thailand. The evacuation was carried out on two special Indian Air Force (IAF) flights, coordinated by the Embassy of India in Bangkok and the Consulate of India in Chiang Mai, in collaboration with Thai authorities.
The latest evacuation follows a similar operation last week, during which 270 Indian citizens were brought home as part of India’s sustained repatriation campaign from the Thailand–Myanmar border region. These individuals had reportedly escaped from cyber scam centres in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region.
Indian rescued recently were detained by Thai officials as they illegally crossed into Thailand after fleeing scam compounds in Myanmar. Most of them were lured by fake IT job offers, often circulated through social media and unauthorised recruiting agents. They recently crossed into Thailand from Myawaddy.
Indians rescued from Thailand: Who oversaw the operation?
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul personally visited Mae Sot on Monday (November 10, 2025) to oversee the repatriation efforts. He was received by Indian Ambassador Nagesh Singh, who met him at the airport during the operation. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Embassy said:
“The Prime Minister conveyed Thailand’s deep appreciation for the Government of India’s efforts in the prompt repatriation of the detainees from Mae Sot and assured continued cooperation from Thai authorities in facilitating future repatriations.”
Why were the Indians detained?
According to the Indian Embassy, the individuals repatriated were detained by Thai authorities after crossing illegally into Thailand from Myawaddy, Myanmar. Many had reportedly been working under duress in cyber scam centres, part of a growing regional network of transnational crime rings.
They were detained for violating Thai immigration laws, and subsequently handed over to Indian authorities after verification and coordination between the two governments.
What are India and Thailand doing to combat such crimes?
Both countries have reaffirmed their joint commitment to tackling transnational crimes, including cyber fraud, human trafficking, and illegal recruitment practices. The Embassy highlighted that relevant agencies from both sides are now working closely to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and protect vulnerable workers.
The Indian government reiterated its advisory urging citizens to verify the credentials of overseas employers and recruitment agents before accepting job offers abroad.
The Embassy also cautioned Indian nationals that visa-free entry into Thailand for Indian passport holders is strictly limited to tourism and short business visits. Any misuse of this facility, including for employment purposes, could result in detention or deportation under Thai law.
