About 70 Vietnamese flee online scam hubs in Myanmar for Thailand

"The Vietnamese Embassies in Thailand and Myanmar confirmed that as of October 22, approximately 70 Vietnamese citizens crossed from Myanmar into Thailand following anti-crime raids targeting fraudulent compounds," ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

Earlier, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper requested the ministry to verify reports from Thai media that Myanmar's military had demolished several compounds near the border, areas allegedly housing online scam syndicates.

The raids triggered a wave of illegal border crossings into Thailand, where Thai authorities reportedly detained more than 100 Vietnamese nationals along with others from several countries.

Hang said the Vietnamese Embassies immediately coordinated with local authorities to verify the situation and provide consular assistance.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed relevant embassies and departments to cooperate with domestic and foreign agencies to carry out consular procedures and facilitate the safe repatriation of citizens as soon as possible," she said.

Hang once again warned Vietnamese citizens to be cautious of online job offers promising 'easy work, high pay,' and to verify information carefully to avoid being deceived by trafficking and scam networks.

When asked about a recent South Korean TV report suggesting that Vietnam could become a hotspot for online crime, Hang declined to comment on what she described as 'speculative assumptions.'

She emphasized that Vietnam has strengthened its legal framework on telecommunications and cybersecurity to combat online fraud and foster a safer, more transparent digital environment.

Vietnam has also demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation by promoting the adoption and signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the Hanoi Convention.

Hang added that the ministry continues to work closely with relevant agencies and international partners to protect Vietnamese citizens abroad and enhance collaboration in combating organized and high-tech crime.