Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security Liu Zhongyi has apologized to Thais over concerns that his high-profile activities to counter scam operations along the Thai-Myanmar border had trampled on Thai sovereignty, Thai media outlets reported.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed the apology after his hour-long meeting with Liu on Feb. 19 at the Defense Ministry, according to the news outlets.
Phumtham said Liu explained that his actions in Thailand aligned with previous agreements, and emphasized his respect for Thailand’s sovereignty and local laws, and offered an apology for any misunderstandings, The Nation reported.
Liu led a delegation that met with authorities in Thailand’s Tak Province on Jan. 29 to discuss cooperation on combating scam gangs. During the visit, he also visited the Thai border along the Moei River, from where he observed Shwe Kokko and KK Park, two centers housing scam compounds in Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot district in Thailand’s Tak Province.
This week, he crossed through the Mae Sot border checkpoint into Karen State’s Myawaddy to meet Chinese nationals rescued from scam compounds in Shwe Kokko, drawing much media attention.
He also crossed the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge to inspect potential aircraft pickup locations in Thailand.
Khasod English reported that his trips this week drew criticism from some Thais who felt his unrestricted border movements without Thai officials present appeared to violate Thai sovereignty.
The report added that in response to the concerns, Liu emphasized China’s respect for Thai sovereignty and local laws, attributing any misunderstandings to overenthusiasm in protecting Chinese citizens.
Liu said the Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, praised Thailand’s measures against scammers in Myanmar’s Myawaddy, particularly the cutting of electricity, internet access and fuel supplies to the area, it stated.
Following his visits, Myanmar on Thursday handed over the first batch of hundreds of Chinese scam center workers for repatriation through Thailand.
