Twelve foreign women who were rescued from Chinese-run scam compounds in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, have been found to be pregnant following sexual assaults during their captivity. According to the Civil Society Network Assisting Human Trafficking Victims (CSNAHTV), these women are now seeking medical treatment in Thailand. One of the women suffered a miscarriage on March 19, highlighting the urgent need for medical care and humanitarian assistance for these victims.
The total number of women trafficked to these scam compounds in Myawaddy reached 320, with the majority being Ethiopian nationals. The twelve pregnant women were among those who endured sexual assault while being held captive in these compounds. Their release came after Chinese authorities pressured the Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) to rescue the trafficking victims from these criminal operations. CSNAHTV coordinator Jay Krittaya has formally requested Thai authorities and the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand to provide emergency medical care and protection for these pregnant women.
The Thai National Human Rights Commission has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with relevant embassies and consulates to assist these women. Additionally, the commission has called on the Thai National Security Council, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Defense to provide emergency medical treatment and care for the pregnant trafficking victims. This case has highlighted the ongoing issues of human trafficking and exploitation in the border regions, where criminal organizations operate scam compounds with apparent impunity until external pressure forces action from local armed groups.
