New Delhi: The first batch of 270 Indian nationals, including 26 women, who fled a cyberscam hub in Myanmar and crossed illegally into Thailand, have been brought back to India. Two special Indian Air Force aircraft brought them back from the Thai border town of Mae Sot.
The reptratiation, coordinated by the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate in Chiang Mai, was carried out in close cooperation with Thai authorities.
KK Park, a cybercrime compound on the outskirts of Myawaddy, was one of the largest scam operations in the region until it was raided by Myanmar’s military in mid-October. The crackdown led to a mass exodus, with more than 1,500 people from 28 countries fleeing across the border into the Thai town of Mae Sot, according to Thai officials.
According to local reports, among them were 465 Indian nationals, along with citizens of China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Kenya, and several other countries.
The group of Indians had reportedly entered Thailand illegally and were detained by authorities for violating immigration laws after they crossed the border late last month.
According to Indian officials, many of the returnees were lured to Myanmar with promises of lucrative jobs. However, once they begin these jobs, many recruits find themselves forced into criminal activities by the operators of the scam centers.
In July last year, the External Affairs Ministry raised the issue with Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry, calling for swift return of Indians unlawfully detained in the country and calling for stronger action against cyber scam networks.
“In India, we have sought the blocking of websites that advertise such jobs and have recommended prosecution in certain cases involving individuals connected to these activities,” EAM S Jaishankar had then said.
Embassy of India, Bangkok and Consulate of India in Chiang Mai in close coordination with various agencies of the Royal Thai Government have facilitated repatriation of 270 Indian nationals, including 26 women, from Mae Sot, Thailand to India by two special flights operated by… pic.twitter.com/aRPJPf9Gu7
— India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) November 6, 2025
The Indian Embassy in Bangkok said it is continuing to coordinate with both Thai and Myanmar authorities to secure the release and return of other Indian nationals still trapped in scam centers.
In a statement, the embassy warned Indian citizens to verify the credentials of overseas employers and recruitment agencies before accepting job offers abroad. It also cautioned travellers that visa-free entry to Thailand for Indian passport holders is intended strictly for tourism or short business visits and not for employment.
The next batch of flights is expected to leave on Friday.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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