The Kayin Border Guard Force (BGF) has pledged to crack down on human smuggling and trafficking along the Myanmar-Thailand border, including the Shwe Koko area in Myawady Township, Kayin State, until it is completely eradicated, Colonel Saw Chit Thu, general secretary of the BGF, announced.

Speaking at a press conference in Myawady on February 17, Colonel Saw Chit Thu emphasized that human smuggling is not confined to the Myanmar-Thailand border, and that it is regulated globally. He shared his efforts over the past year or two to combat human trafficking, including assisting individuals from various countries, such as India, China, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.

“I have helped many people over the past years, but it’s not just about the official Friendship Bridge. I have assisted over 1,000 to 2,000 people, and we keep a record of all our actions,” he said. “We completely oppose human trafficking and torture.”

Colonel Saw Chit Thu also mentioned a recent case involving a Chinese movie star, who was rescued by the BGF Disciplinary Office. He stated that the operation took place in Phalu, and the rescued individuals were immediately transferred to Thailand with full support from the Thai military and police. "We never disclosed any personal details about the victims or traffickers. We follow a strict process to ensure their safety and transfer them back to their home countries," he added.

Many individuals from countries such as the Philippines, India, Africa, China, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan, and Indonesia have fallen victim to online scam operations, often lured into forced labor. Colonel Saw Chit Thu confirmed that cooperation would continue with Chinese, Thai, and Myanmar authorities to swiftly repatriate the victims to their home countries.