China has asked Thailand to maintain its cuts on electricity, fuel and internet services, which have been imposed on five locations in Myanmar since Feb. 5, despite appeals from Myanmar to lift them.
This request comes after the Myanmar government and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) agreed to transfer 1,219 people of 12 nationalities, mostly Chinese (1,041), to Thailand.
Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Major General Thanathip Sawangsaeng said today that Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security Liu Zhongyi made a four-point proposal to Thailand on how to deal with scam call centers in Myanmar.
One of the proposals is for Thailand to maintain its bans on electricity, fuel and internet in Myanmar, as they have proven successful in tackling scam call centers in Myanmar’s townships.
Another proposal calls for tighter border controls to prevent scammers in Myanmar from fleeing the country and to facilitate the transit and processing of Chinese nationals for repatriation.
Thanathip said China will send officials to Thailand to assist in screening information and organizing the repatriation of Chinese nationals.
He added that about 300 Chinese citizens are ready to be repatriated on chartered flights.
Another of Liu’s proposals is to enhance trilateral cooperation between China, Thailand and Myanmar while respecting sovereignty, as well as international and domestic laws.
Thanathip said more countries may be invited to cooperate, with Thailand making arrangements for meetings related to such cooperation and China providing support.
Liu was due to meet Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday to discuss the proposals and other areas of cooperation in tackling call centers, the spokesperson said.
It has been reported that 260 people transferred from Myanmar to Mae Sot last week are now being flown back to their home countries after going through the National Referral Mechanism process.
Meanwhile, the Ratchamanu Task Force reported that they have been notified by the BGF and the Myanmar junta government that 1,219 people of 12 nationalities, including 1,041 Chinese nationals, will soon be transferred to Mae Sot. However, no specific timeframe has been set for when they will be sent across the border.
This article first appeared in Thai PBS World.
