National—
On February 24th, 2024, Myanmar military and police officers launched a raid operation in a building used as online gambling operating offices at the Thailand-Myanmar border, near Mae Sai, Chiang Rai.
According to Myanmar local media, on February 22nd, the building was suspected to be a residence for Thai, Chinese, and Burmese nationals working for online gambling websites. During the raid operation, more than 689 employees were found including Chinese, Burmese, and 140 Thai nationals.
The Myanmar police were able to confiscate 400 computer devices, 270 phones, 10 cars, and 170 motorbikes as evidence.
The operation was successful with collaboration from the Thai government in response to many victims falling for online gambling websites. According to Myanmar local media, many Thai people who had worked in Tachileik, Myanmar, began to return to Thailand even though they did not work for online gambling websites.
The Myanmar government reportedly set up police checkpoints and thoroughly inspected Thai nationals door to door, causing paranoia among Thai people working in the area. They were reportedly looking for those working illegally.
The Myanmar government warned that those who violated the laws would face legal action of a six-month imprisonment in Kengtung, Shan State, Myanmar, before being deported to Thailand for further legal processing.
