Daijiworld Media Network – Bangkok

Bangkok, Nov 11: In a major operation coordinated between India and Thailand, a total of 197 Indian nationals were repatriated to India from Mae Sot, Thailand, on Monday through two special Indian Air Force (IAF) flights.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul personally visited Mae Sot in the afternoon to oversee the repatriation process, the Indian Embassy in Thailand shared. During the visit, Indian Ambassador to Thailand, Nagesh Singh, met the Prime Minister at the airport.

“The Prime Minister conveyed Thailand’s deep appreciation for the Government of India’s prompt efforts in repatriating the detainees from Mae Sot and assured continued cooperation from Thai authorities in facilitating the return of Indian nationals released from scam centres in Myanmar,” the Embassy stated on X.

Both India and Thailand reaffirmed their shared commitment to combat transnational crimes, particularly cyber scams and human trafficking, and to enhance cooperation among their respective agencies to address these growing regional concerns.

According to the Indian Embassy, the deported individuals had crossed into Thailand illegally from Myawaddy, Myanmar, after allegedly working in cyber scam centres. They were detained by Thai authorities for violating local immigration laws.

The Embassy of India in Bangkok and the Consulate of India in Chiang Mai, in close coordination with multiple Thai agencies, facilitated the repatriation. The mission highlighted that this was part of the Government of India’s sustained efforts to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad.

Indian citizens were strongly advised to verify the credentials of foreign employers and check the antecedents of recruiting agents and companies before accepting overseas job offers.

The Embassy also reminded travellers that visa-free entry into Thailand for Indian passport holders is strictly for tourism and short business visits, and should not be misused for employment purposes.