Reuters report sparks outrage
The investigative piece “Scammed into Scamming” by Reuters recounted harrowing experiences of nine victims from Africa and Asia, who were reportedly trafficked to scam centres in Myanmar between 2022 and 2025. Six claimed they were escorted through Thai international airports by alleged immigration officers before being taken to Myanmar.
Their destination was the infamous KK Park complex in Myawaddy, known for forced scam call operations. Kenya’s ambassador to Thailand, Lindsay Kiptiness, who has rescued hundreds of his citizens from such centres, confirmed the claims: “They consistently describe being escorted through Thai airports by officials.”
Thailand strikes back
Police Colonel Choengron Rimpadee, commander of Immigration Division 2, moved to counter the allegations. All entries into Thailand in November 2024 under the name “Oly” were reviewed. Of 62 matches, only two African nationals were found—a Ugandan via Phuket and a Kenyan from Dubai. “No Ethiopian nationals,” Choengron stated.
Since January, stricter screenings have been implemented, including checks of visas, return tickets, travel plans, and accommodation. Authorities have denied entry to 16,538 individuals to date.
Questioning the report’s credibility
Choengron challenged Reuters’ account, noting: “Hotel staff do not have access to restricted luggage areas without special permission—even senior immigration officers must carry valid passes.” The case of “Oly,” claiming handover by immigration officers to hotel personnel, was therefore “highly implausible.”
He also questioned Reuters’ intentions, comparing the investigation to the BBC documentary The Dark Side of Paradise, which portrayed Thailand as a hub of criminal activity.
Diplomatic tensions rise
Meanwhile, Kenyan Ambassador Kiptiness expressed frustration at the lack of response from Thai authorities despite providing detailed information about the kidnappings. A spokesman for Thailand’s Foreign Ministry stated they had received no reports but were willing to examine “any credible information or evidence.”
The standoff continues: Reuters stands by its sources, while Thailand firmly denies the allegations. International pressure is mounting for Thailand to finally confront human trafficking rings along its Myanmar border.