Sri Lankan Among Many Rescued from Myanmar Cybercrime Camp, Now Safe in Thailand

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan Embassy in Myanmar has confirmed that a Sri Lankan national was among those recently rescued from cybercrime camps in Myanmar. 

The individual is currently under the protection of Thai authorities.

Over 250 individuals from 20 different nationalities were freed from these camps and have been transported to Thailand. An official from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand reported that 16 more Sri Lankans are still believed to be held in these camps, with the possibility of additional unreported detainees.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, held a telephone conversation with Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, to reaffirm the urgent assistance required with respect to the rescue and safe repatriation of trafficked Sri Lankans. 

He also expressed appreciation for Thailand’s ongoing support in rescuing and repatriating Sri Lankans trafficked to cybercrime centers in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar.

Since 2023, Thailand has facilitated the safe return of 58 Sri Lankans who were forcibly detained by human trafficking syndicates. 

Minister Herath urged Thailand’s urgent cooperation to expedite the rescue and repatriation of the remaining 18 Sri Lankans, who are reportedly facing torture and mistreatment in these centres. 

The Foreign Minister of Thailand assured assistance to Sri Lanka in the endeavour to rescue the remaining trafficked Sri Lankans.