A Malaysian NGO is calling on Thailand to step up and assist in the rescue of Malaysians who have fallen victim to human trafficking and scam syndicates operating in Myanmar and Laos.
The Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) made the plea during a peaceful demonstration outside the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpur, urging Bangkok to take swift action, as it did in the recent case of a Chinese actor.
A Cry for Help at the Thai Embassy
MHO, together with about 40 distressed family members of the victims, gathered outside the Thai embassy, seeking intervention. They handed over a formal appeal letter to Adittha Buakhamsri, the minister counsellor of the embassy, emphasizing the urgent need to rescue Malaysians suffering under these criminal syndicates.
“These victims are enduring extreme torture: locked in dark rooms, starved for days, and treated like modern-day slaves,” MHO secretary-general Hishamuddin Hashim revealed at a press conference.
He also raised concerns over Thailand's borders being frequently exploited by traffickers to smuggle Malaysians into Myanmar and Laos.
Thailand’s Role in Rescuing Victims
Hishamuddin pointed out Thailand’s recent success in shutting down scam centres in southern Myanmar by cutting off their power supply. More notably, he referenced the case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was swiftly rescued after China exerted pressure on Bangkok.
“If the Thai government can intervene for Wang, why not extend the same effort to rescue Malaysians trapped in Myanmar?” he questioned, clarifying that MHO’s appeal was not confrontational but a heartfelt request for assistance.
Following the demonstration, Hishamuddin confirmed that the engagement had established direct communication with Thai embassy officials, particularly security affairs minister counsellor Chatchawan Worrakajohnwirat. He expressed hope that this dialogue would expedite rescue operations.
Many families present at the protest shared harrowing accounts of how their loved ones were deceived with offers of lucrative jobs in Thailand, only to be trafficked to Myanmar.
Once trapped, they were coerced into illegal activities, and families were forced to pay exorbitant ransoms: some as high as RM55,000 to secure their release.
MHO has vowed to escalate the matter further, pushing for intervention from Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Office and the ASEAN Secretariat. With mounting international pressure, the hope remains that Thailand will take decisive action to dismantle these trafficking networks and bring home the Malaysians still held against their will.
Will Thailand Answer the Call?
The ball is now in Thailand’s court. Will Bangkok respond to Malaysia’s plea and extend its influence to rescue those suffering in scam syndicates?
With every passing day, more victims endure unthinkable conditions. It is time for urgent regional cooperation to put an end to this modern slavery.
By: Kpost
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