New Delhi, November 10, 2025: India on Monday successfully repatriated 197 citizens who had fled from Myanmar to Thailand, bringing the total number of repatriated individuals since last week to 467. These Indian nationals were rescued from the Thai border town of Mae Sot, following their escape from the infamous KK Park cyber scam centre in Myawaddy, Myanmar—a facility reportedly backed by Chinese criminal networks.

The repatriation operation was conducted through two special flights operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), coordinated by the Indian embassy in Bangkok. The Indian government has been closely working with Thai authorities to ensure the safe return of its citizens after Myanmar’s military crackdown on the cyber scam operations led many workers to flee across the border.

High-Level Oversight and Diplomatic Coordination

Indian Ambassador to Thailand, Nagesh Singh, visited Mae Sot on Monday afternoon to oversee the operation. During his visit, he met Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who expressed gratitude for India’s efforts in the prompt repatriation of its citizens. The Thai Prime Minister also assured ongoing cooperation in facilitating the return of Indian nationals released from the scam centres in Myanmar.

“The visit reinforced the commitment of both sides to combat transnational crimes, including cyber scams and human trafficking, and to enhance cooperation among the relevant agencies in both countries for this purpose,” the Indian embassy said in a statement.

Background of the Repatriation Efforts

The Indian nationals deported on Monday had initially crossed into Thailand from Myawaddy, where they were either working in, or associated with, the cyber scam centres at KK Park. Upon entering Thailand, these individuals were detained for violating immigration laws by entering the country illegally. The embassy in Bangkok, along with the consulate in Chiang Mai, coordinated with Thai government agencies to facilitate their repatriation.

Indian authorities emphasized that citizens must exercise caution when accepting overseas employment. The embassy warned, “Indian nationals are strongly advised to verify the credentials of foreign employers, and check the antecedents of recruiting agents and companies before taking up job offers overseas. Further, visa-free entry into Thailand for Indian passport holders is meant for tourism and short business purposes only, and should not be misused for taking up employment in Thailand.”

Profile of the Repatriated Citizens

Among those repatriated were both victims lured to the scam centres with promises of lucrative jobs and individuals allegedly involved in running the cyber scams. Investigative agencies in India will question all returning nationals to identify those complicit in fraudulent activities and understand how they reached KK Park in Myanmar.

Earlier last Thursday, India had repatriated 270 citizens, including 26 women, from Mae Sot through IAF special flights. According to Thai media reports, more than 450 Indians illegally crossed the border while fleeing the scam centres in late October.

Overall, since the crackdown, a total of 1,595 individuals, including 256 women, have crossed into Thailand from KK Park, with Indians representing the largest group. KK Park was widely regarded as a sprawling hub for transnational cybercrime, operated by multiple Chinese criminal gangs and protected by local militia groups linked to Myanmar’s military commanders.

Previous Repatriation Efforts

This is not the first time India has organized the repatriation of its citizens from Myanmar’s cybercrime compounds. In March 2025, India brought back 549 nationals freed from cybercrime centres near the Myanmar-Thailand border via two military-operated flights.

The ongoing operations highlight India’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad, as well as its determination to counter the growing threat of cross-border cyber scams. The government has reiterated that Indian nationals must remain vigilant against fraudulent overseas employment opportunities and work closely with authorities to ensure safe and legal travel abroad.

Looking Ahead

Investigative agencies are expected to closely examine the circumstances of the individuals’ arrival at KK Park, the recruitment networks involved, and the broader operational structure of the cyber scam centres. These measures aim to not only bring the victims to safety but also to dismantle criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals for transnational cybercrime.

With India continuing its collaborative efforts with Thailand and other regional partners, authorities are optimistic about ensuring a secure environment for citizens and curbing cross-border cyber scams that have ensnared hundreds of Indians over recent months.