Bangkok, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Indian Embassy in Thailand announced on Monday that a total of 197 Indian nationals were repatriated back to India from Mae Sot through two special flights operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). These individuals had been detained in Mae Sot after illegally entering Thailand from Myanmar's Myawaddy, where they were reportedly involved in cyber scam operations.

The Embassy revealed that Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Mae Sot to supervise the repatriation efforts. During his discussions with Nagesh Singh, the Indian Ambassador to Thailand, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the Government of India's swift actions in facilitating the repatriation of detainees and assured ongoing collaboration from Thai officials to help repatriate Indian nationals released from scam centers in Myanmar.

"Today, 197 Indian nationals have been successfully repatriated to India from Mae Sot, Thailand, by two special flights operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). HE Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Prime Minister, was present at Mae Sot this afternoon to oversee the operation. Mr. Nagesh Singh, India's Ambassador to Thailand, greeted him at the airport. The Prime Minister conveyed Thailand’s sincere appreciation for the Government of India’s prompt action in repatriating the detainees from Mae Sot and pledged continued cooperation from Thai authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Indian nationals released from scam centers in Myanmar," stated the Indian Embassy in Thailand on X.

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to combatting transnational crimes, including cyber scams and human trafficking, and enhancing cooperation among relevant agencies in both countries. The Indian nationals who were deported had crossed into Thailand from Myawaddy, Myanmar, where they were allegedly operating in cyber scam centers and were detained for breaching Thai immigration laws.

The Embassy also urged Indian nationals to verify the credentials of foreign employers and thoroughly check the backgrounds of recruiting agents and firms before accepting job offers abroad.

The Indian Embassy in Thailand further stated, "The Embassy of India, Bangkok, and the Consulate of India in Chiang Mai, in close collaboration with various agencies of the Royal Thai Government, facilitated this repatriation. This is part of the Indian Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals facing distress overseas."

"Indian nationals are strongly advised to verify foreign employers' credentials and investigate recruiting agents and companies before accepting job offers abroad. Moreover, visa-free entry into Thailand for Indian passport holders is strictly for tourism and short business purposes and should not be misused for employment," it added.

On November 7, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reported that 270 Indians were repatriated from Mae Sot, Thailand, to India by two special IAF flights and urged Indian nationals to steer clear of job scam centers in Myanmar.

During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on November 7, Jaiswal explained that the individuals had entered Thailand illegally following a crackdown on scam centers in Myanmar. He added that once the necessary procedures in Thailand were completed and their documents verified by Indian authorities, they were flown back to India.

"270 Indian nationals returned yesterday; they were brought back from Mae Sot in Thailand on two special aircraft. Following a crackdown in Myanmar on these scam centers, they illegally entered Thailand, and Thai authorities undertook the necessary processes on their side. After we verified the documents of all these individuals and confirmed their Indian nationality, they were flown back to India. I understand there are more Indian nationals currently in Thailand, and they will also return to India shortly. I will keep you updated on the numbers," Jaiswal stated.

“Over the past two years, various Indian Government agencies have consistently issued travel advisories urging Indian nationals to avoid these scam centers due to the severe risks involved. Those who go there often face violence and exploitation. Once again, we strongly advise all Indian nationals to refrain from such job offers and to verify the legitimacy of both Indian and foreign agencies offering these jobs. The risks are significant, and I emphasize that our nationals should heed our advisories and recommendations,” he stressed.