First batch of Chinese workers rescued from scam centres in Myanmar repatriated
The first batch of Chinese nationals involved in scam centers in Myanmar have left for China from Thailand. They are among hundreds of foreigners turned over to Thai authorities. Thailand’s deputy prime minister was at the airport to monitor the departure, but declined to comment when asked if those on board were people running the scam centres. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut reports.
China and Thailand hold talks on Repatriation of Chinese scam Center Workers
Thailand is preparing to step up the repatriation of people coming from the scam centres operating across the border with Myanmar. A high ranking Chinese official met with Thailand's deputy prime minister and defence minister on Feb 19, with the repatriation of Chinese nationals expected to begin soon. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut with more from the meeting in Bangkok.
CNA Correspondent podcast: Human trafficking and online scams worsens in Southeast Asia
It's a crime where perpetrators are often victims themselves. Cyberscam centres have mushroomed across Southeast Asia, and the unrest in Myanmar is making it even easier for crime syndicates to operate there. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's May Wong and Saksith Saiyasombut in this episode.
Myanmar's military, ethnic militia pledge to crack down on scam centres
China has continued to put the heat on scam syndicates operating on the Thai-Myanmar border. Under pressure from Beijing, the Myanmar military government and a rival ethnic minority militia operating in the region have vowed to crack down on criminal gangs preying on foreign nationals. Chinese actor Wang Xing went missing in a high-profile case last month. He was promptly rescued from suspected traffickers and returned safely to China. Since then, Thailand has been on a blitz to restore Chinese confidence in the country as a holiday destination.
CNA Correspondent: Thai Hostages Released In Israel, Reunite With Their Families
The Thai men had gone halfway around the world for jobs, for better lives. Instead they were taken hostage and held captive, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. More than a year passed with no news if they would be released. Then one night, everything changed.
The Thai hostages who finally returned home after 15 months in captivity in Gaza
Dozens of Thai nationals working at Israel's border with Gaza were seized by Hamas militants in a surprise attack on Oct 7, 2023. Some were released a month later but six remained in captivity through the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas. Finally, on Jan 30 this year, five of the six Thai hostages were freed and have returned to Thailand. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut has followed their story since day.
Five Thai hostages return home after more than a year in Hamas captivity
Five Thai nationals who were held hostage by Hamas for more than a year in Gaza are back on home soil. The group is the second batch of Thai nationals to be released since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October 2023. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut reports from Bangkok.
Thailand cuts electricity, internet to five border areas in Myanmar to tackle scam centres
Thailand has cut electricity, internet and fuel supplies to five border areas in Myanmar, in an attempt to choke scam centres, which have put a damper on arrivals of foreign tourists, particularly those from neighbouring China. The move comes as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra begins her official visit to China, which is supposed to kick off the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties. Saksith Saiyasombut shares what the prime minister hopes to achieve on her trip.
Father of Thai hostage in Gaza receives confirmation of his son’s release
CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut was with Wilas Thaenna in Thailand when he saw his son freed from captivity in Gaza after 15 months. His son, Pongsak Thaenna, had been held hostage by Hamas from Oct 7, 2023, along with dozens of others. He and 5 other Thai nationals were released by militants in Gaza on Thursday (Jan 30) as part of a hostage-prisoner swap.
Thai PM makes AI video appeal to Chinese tourists
“The Thai government attaches great importance to the safety of tourists,” says Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking in Mandarin. Except it’s not actually her voice.
In an effort to reassure Chinese tourists about the safety of visiting Thailand amid concerns over human trafficking, the Thai government has released an AI-generated video featuring the leader.Hundreds tie the knot as Thailand becomes first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex unions
Thailand has become the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex unions. In Bangkok, a special event at a shopping mall was held, where a pop-up registration readied to welcome up to 300 couples to tie the knot. Non-heterosexual couples can now enjoy inheritance and adoption rights. The law now uses gender-neutral terms such as "individuals" and "marriage partners", instead of "men", "women", "husbands" and "wives".
Thai PM assures Chinese tourists of country's commitment to improving safety
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has delivered a clear message on Thailand’s commitment to improving safety and combatting transnational crime. She has released an AI-generated video directly addressing tourists from mainland China. It is part of government efforts to rebuild confidence, following reports of Chinese nationals being trafficked to scam call centres in neighboring nations.
Cross-border scams: Is it safe for you to visit Thailand if you are Chinese?
China is cracking down on online scams after a series of cases. The most recent one involved Chinese actor Wang Xing, who went missing after he was tricked into going for a casting call in Thailand. He was later rescued from a scam syndicate in Myanmar. The incident caused a sharp rise in cancellations of travel plans to Thailand by Chinese tourists, citing safety concerns. CNA correspondents Tan Si Hui in Beijing and Saksith Saiyasombut in Bangkok spoke to Chinese tourists to find out what they think about travelling to Thailand.
A look at a local tribe in Thailand which miraculously survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
This week, Thailand marked 20 years since the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Five thousand people were killed, but a local tribe managed miraculously to survive with almost no casualties among them. Saksith Saiyasombut visited them and found that 20 years on from surviving the tsunami, they are facing a threat of a different kind.
Thousands across Thailand, Indonesia mark 20 years of devastating Indian Ocean tsunami
Today marks two decades since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed around 230,000 people across multiple countries. Thailand is holding ceremonies to honour the thousands of lives lost. Saksith Saiyasombut reports from a remembrance event in Khao Lak — one of the worst-affected areas in southern Thailand. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, thousands have gathered at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh. Saifulbahri Ismail shares how the disaster became a catalyst for peace in once-restive Aceh province.
ASEAN-Myanmar talks: Bloc holds discussions on Myanmar's plans to hold elections
Thailand hosts ASEAN officials who held talks with China, India and Bangladesh to discuss the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and the military government's plan to hold polls. Incoming chair Malaysia has not given up on its peace plan for the conflict-torn ASEAN member.
Malaysian PM Anwar proposes appointing former Thai premier Thaksin as ASEAN adviser
Malaysia's prime minister is reaching out to former heavyweight government officials around ASEAN to become advisers. Anwar Ibrahim preparing to take the chair of the regional bloc next year. Among the names are ex-Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr Anwar made the announcement on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting with current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Putrajaya.
Thai PM Paetongtarn presents progress report after 3 months in office
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has marked three months in office, with a reaffirmation of continuity in her government’s policies. Speaking in a televised event, she was optimistic on unity in her administration on the need to ensure strength in the economy.
A review of Thai PM Paetongtarn's achievements in the past 3 months
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver an address on Dec 12, as she marks 90 days since her maiden policy speech as leader. Saksith Saiyasombut reviews what her cabinet has achieved in the last three months.
Thailand in negotiations to secure release of four fishermen detained by Myanmar
Thailand has protested an incident early Saturday, where Myanmar's navy fired on a group of Thai fishing vessels. One crew member drowned after he leapt overboard. Myanmar detained four Thai nationals and 31 Myanmar crew members, including their trawler. Bangkok is in negotiations to release the Thai nationals and the return of the boat. Since the Myanmar military coup in 2021, there have been several border incidents with Thailand, mainly stemming from armed conflict between the military government and ethnic armed rebels.