The Thai army has secured the safe release of 12 Moroccans from call centres located in Myanmar, opposite Phop Phra district of the western Thai province of Tak.
The 12 are among 21 Moroccans duped by human trafficking gangs in their native country into working in casinos in Myanmar, but who ended up working for call centre gangs. In May, Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome sought help from the army in securing their release, after he received a letter from the Moroccan Embassy in Thailand.
Informed army sources say that, after receiving the request from Rangsima, army intelligence made enquiries about the Moroccans and their whereabouts among charitable foundations and NGOS operating along the Thai-Myanmar border. They then approached Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) ethnic troops, who control the territories in which the casinos are located.
During the investigation, however, seven Moroccans were released, after their families paid a ransom, said the sources, adding that the DKBA commanders had helped negotiate with the call centre gangs for the release of 12 other Moroccans, with the remaining two preferring to continue working there.
Reacting to the safe return of the Moroccans, Rangsiman thanked the Thai army for their help, adding that their intervention is testament to Thailand’s commitment to the protection of human rights, regardless of race or nationality.
