BEIJING/BANGKOK — The plight of Chinese nationals trafficked to Myanmar has sparked a wave of grassroots efforts by their families to bring them home. Among the growing number of victims is 22-year-old Wang Xing, who was lured by a fake job offer in Thailand and ended up enslaved in a scam center across the Myanmar border. His dramatic rescue earlier this month has inspired other families to share their stories and demand action from authorities.
The Crisis of Trafficked Chinese Nationals in Myanmar
Since Myanmar’s 2021 coup, chaos has enabled criminal syndicates to flourish, especially along its borders with Thailand. Scam centers have trapped thousands of individuals, including Chinese nationals trafficked to Myanmar, forcing them into online fraud schemes under brutal conditions. These operations are part of a multibillion-dollar industry targeting people worldwide.
The UN estimates that hundreds of thousands have been trafficked into these compounds across Southeast Asia, with Chinese nationals making up a significant portion. Families have documented nearly 1,800 cases of missing loved ones, most of whom are men aged 15 to 45, often driven to desperation by economic hardship.
Families Demand Action for Trafficked Nationals
Efforts to report missing individuals have largely failed. Many family members report being dismissed by authorities, as Chinese law often overlooks men as victims of human trafficking. Despite these setbacks, grassroots campaigns have shone a light on the issue.
The “Star Homecoming” campaign, named after rescued actor Wang Xing, has been instrumental in gathering data and pressuring officials. Chinese families hope that their collective efforts will lead to a broader crackdown on the criminal syndicates responsible for trafficking.
China’s Pledge to Combat Trafficking
China’s Ministry of Public Security has vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle the scam centers in Myanmar and rescue trafficked nationals. Agreements with Thailand and Myanmar aim to target the leaders of these criminal organizations and eradicate the compounds.
However, critics argue that more needs to be done, as many victims are still treated as suspects. Families of Chinese nationals trafficked to Myanmar continue to push for justice, hoping their voices will finally bring change.
