The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur has issued a letter to the Thai government urging it to clarify 10 key points regarding its efforts to combat cross-border human trafficking, which are linked to online fraud cases in Southeast Asia.
According to a report by Thai newspaper The Nation on March 10, 2025, an official letter from the UN Special Rapporteur was sent to Bangkok, focusing specifically on human trafficking (especially women and children).
The letter also expressed deep concern over the secret investigations received from people around the world, including East Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America and South America, who were being forced to work in online fraud centers. According to the UN, the centers lured victims with advertisements offering high-paying jobs, but in reality, they were kidnapped and detained, their passports and personal belongings confiscated.
In addition, victims are subjected to physical abuse, sexual harassment, and forced to work for little or no pay. Furthermore, those who fail to complete their assigned tasks or attempt to escape face severe punishment or are sold into other illegal labor camps.
The UN letter also pointed out that Thailand plays a key role as a transit point for victims to trafficking centers in neighboring countries, especially in the border area in Karen State, Myanmar.
