New Delhi, Nov 6, 2025: India on Thursday initiated the repatriation of hundreds of its citizens who had fled a notorious cyber scam centre in Myanmar, with two Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft bringing back 270 nationals—including 26 women—from the Thai border town of Mae Sot.

The evacuees had crossed into Thailand from Myawaddy in Myanmar, where they were allegedly working at the Chinese-backed KK Park, a cyber scam hub. Thai authorities detained the Indian nationals for illegally entering the country. Photos shared by the Indian embassy in Bangkok showed the evacuees boarding IAF C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft for their journey back to India.

The repatriation effort was coordinated by the Indian embassy in Bangkok and the consulate in Chiang Mai, working closely with Thai authorities to facilitate the safe return of the nationals. Sources familiar with the matter said additional flights would operate on Friday to bring back more Indians who had crossed the border in the wake of a military crackdown on KK Park late last month.

Journey and Screening Process
The two aircraft departing from Mae Sot first flew to an airbase in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for refueling before continuing to New Delhi. On arrival, the evacuees—including both victims lured into scam operations with promises of lucrative jobs and individuals allegedly involved in running the scams—will undergo questioning by investigative agencies to identify those implicated in illegal activities. Only after completion of the legal process will they be allowed to return home.

The Indian embassy emphasized the importance of caution for citizens seeking employment abroad, advising them to verify the credentials of foreign employers and recruiting agents, and warning that visa-free entry to Thailand is intended solely for tourism or short-term business purposes—not employment.

Background on KK Park and Previous Repatriations
KK Park in Myawaddy township had become infamous as a base for transnational cyber scams operated by Chinese criminal gangs, protected by local militia linked to Myanmar’s military. Following a crackdown by Myanmar authorities, large numbers of foreign nationals fled the compound across the Thai border. According to the Thai-Myanmar Border Command Centre, a total of 1,595 people—including 465 Indians—escaped, along with nationals from the Philippines, China, Vietnam, and Ethiopia.

This operation mirrors India’s earlier efforts in March 2025, when 549 nationals were rescued from similar cybercrime centres along the Myanmar-Thailand border in two military flights.

The ongoing repatriation underscores India’s proactive approach in safeguarding its citizens abroad while collaborating with neighboring countries to combat the growing threat of transnational cybercrime networks.