Thailand Repatriates 22 Citizens From Laos Over Call Center Scam
Thailand repatriated 22 citizens from Laos who fell victim to online job recruitment scams promising inflated salaries and free lodging in the Boten Special Economic Zone. All were screened and found to be victims rather than perpetrators o
On July 17, 2025, at the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint in Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province, Thai immigration and law enforcement officials received 22 Thai nationals (9 men and 13 women) extradited from Laos. The repatriation followed notification from the Thai Embassy in Vientiane on July 15 that Laotian authorities had arrested these individuals on charges of telephone fraud in the Boten Special Economic Zone, Luang Namtha province.
Screening revealed that all 22 individuals fell victim to online job recruitment scams. They were enticed by social media advertisements claiming various positions with monthly salaries of 18,000 to 25,000 baht, plus free accommodation and meals. They traveled to Laos hoping to work but were arrested by Laotian authorities before beginning employment. Investigators found no evidence of human trafficking among the group. Additionally, two individuals without Thai nationality were identified as having illegally exited Thailand without passing through official immigration checkpoints and will face legal proceedings.
Immigration Commissioner Jiraphop Puridech instructed officials to strictly apply screening procedures to distinguish victims from perpetrators and to follow the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) protocol fully. The Chiang Saen immigration checkpoint has intensified screening of travelers heading to neighboring countries, interviewing those at risk of labor exploitation and warning about online job recruitment scams. However, many continue to be deceived by false promises of high income and benefits, unaware that victims often face forced labor, illegal work, confinement, physical abuse, or unpaid wages.
Authorities will conduct further investigation to determine whether any of the 22 individuals are connected to online gambling networks or scammer gangs, with full legal action to be taken against all involved parties if evidence emerges.
