Domestic News Updates – January 28, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. Chinese Deputy Minister to Visit Mae Sot to Combat Fraud
January 28
A Chinese deputy minister will visit Mae Sot, Thailand, today (January 28) to address issues related to combating online fraud, according to a report by People's Spring.
Chinese Deputy Minister of Public Security, Liu Jianqi, is set to lead a delegation to Mae Sot, located in Tak Province, as reported by Thai media. The primary objective of the visit is to discuss strategies for effectively dismantling and suppressing online fraud networks operating across the border in Myanmar, particularly in areas near Mae Sot. The delegation will also explore ways to rescue 160 Chinese nationals reportedly being held by these fraudulent networks in Myawaddy Township.
The discussions will reportedly include plans for cooperation between China and Thailand to combat human trafficking, establish management centers to address these issues, and strategize on anti-fraud operations.
Meanwhile, Saw Chit Thu, a high-ranking official of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) stationed in Myawaddy, stated that 47 human trafficking victims had been rescued and would be handed over to Thai authorities. Arrangements are in place to transfer these individuals to Thailand via the Friendship Bridge No. 2 on January 29.
Earlier this month, Chinese actor Wang Qin was reportedly trafficked into Myanmar from Mae Sot by fraudulent syndicates. After his rescue a few days later, criticism surfaced on social media labeling Thailand as unsafe for Chinese travelers, causing reputational harm to its tourism sector.
In response, the Chinese government escalated its attention toward criminal syndicates at the Thailand-Myanmar border, even dispatching a deputy minister to Mae Sot. Although several online gambling and fraud operations near the China-Myanmar border have been dismantled, sources indicate that online casinos and fraud networks run by Chinese nationals continue to thrive in areas like Shwe Kokko and KK Park near Myawaddy.
========================
๐๐ 2. Passenger Bus Catches Fire on Kyaukpadaung-Meiktila Road
January 28
A passenger bus caught fire while driving along the Kyaukpadaung-Meiktila highway near the well-known village of Letpanpyar. Fortunately, all passengers escaped without injury.
“It caught fire while driving due to an electrical short circuit. The entire bus was consumed by flames, but everyone is safe,” said a local resident.
The bus was operating between Naypyidaw and Chauk Township, carrying at least 30 passengers.
“It wasn’t an air-conditioned bus, just a regular one. The passengers were lucky to escape unharmed,” noted a volunteer who assisted in extinguishing the fire.
========================
๐๐ 3. U.S. Aid Suspension Forces Refugee Clinics at Thai-Myanmar Border to Release Patients
January 28
Clinics established at refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border have started releasing patients due to a suspension of U.S. financial assistance, according to sources from Mae Sot.
The hospitals and clinics, previously funded by U.S. humanitarian aid, have reportedly ceased operations temporarily. A resident of Mae Sot mentioned that this development followed U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to pause and reassess global aid programs for three months starting January 24.
The decision has also affected refugee relocation programs originally planned under former President Joe Biden's humanitarian initiatives.
The above news reports were contributed by Radio NUG correspondents Nway Oo Shwe Wah and Min Thihan.
#SpringRevolution
No comments:
Post a Comment