26.03.2025 – (04:30 PM) Htate

176 Filipinos, 24 Malaysians, four Nepalese and two Cambodians who entered Myanmar illegally have been deported.

Foreign nationals who illegally entered Myanmar through border routes via some neighboring countries, including Thailand, and committed crimes including online gambling and online fraud in Mae Htaw Tha Lay area of ​​Myawaddy town, Karen State, are being systematically identified and deported. On March 25, 176 Filipinos, 24 Malaysians, four Nepalese and two Cambodians were deported to their respective countries through the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge No. (2) in accordance with the laws and procedures, in the interests of humanitarian assistance and friendship between countries.

In order to facilitate the smooth return of these foreign nationals to their respective countries, the Minister of Security and Border Affairs of the Karen State Government, Colonel Min Thu Kyaw, met with departmental officials and instructed them to complete the necessary lists and information.

Then, the deportation ceremony was held, and the Minister of Security and Border Affairs of the Karen State Government and officials, Counsellor Keam Sarat and officials from the Embassy of Cambodia in Thailand, Charge’ d’ Affaires a.i Mr. Bong Yik Jui and others from the Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand, Mr. Jeffery Salik, Deputy Director General of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, Mr. Aakash Adhikari and officials from the Embassy of Nepal in Thailand, and officials from the Department of Immigration, Tak Province, Thailand were present. Officials from Myanmar systematically handed over the documents related to the deportation to the officials from the respective countries.

Similarly, today, 238 more foreign nationals who entered the Mae Htaw Tha Lay area of ​​Myawaddy through illegal channels were identified and detained. From January 30 to March 25, a total of 8,670 foreign nationals who entered Myanmar illegally were identified and detained. Of these, 5,406 were systematically transferred to relevant countries through Thailand in accordance with legal procedures. The remaining 3,264 foreign nationals are ready to be transferred to relevant countries and are being well-guarded.

The government is investigating and taking effective action against illegal online fraud activities and is continuing to investigate and take action in cooperation with international organizations, including neighboring countries, to prevent and combat online gambling and financial fraud activities occurring in Myanmar’s border areas.