China’s Liu apologises for misunderstanding over his anti-scam efforts

China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, Liu Zhongyi, has apologised to the Thai public if his actions have caused any misunderstanding or misperception, stating that he respects Thailand's sovereignty and local laws, said Thai defence minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Phumtham quoted Liu as saying that the misunderstanding may have arisen due to his determination to protect Chinese citizens who fall victim to scam call centres in Myanmar.

Some Thais and opposition parties have accused Liu of not respecting Thailand’s sovereignty and laws.

“He had asked the Thai administration to help explain this to the Thai public,” Phumtham said.

The Thai minister said he has assured Liu that it is not an issue, as Thailand recognises his strong desire to solve the problem.

Phumtham and Liu met in Bangkok yesterday, to follow up on cooperation in tackling the illegal operation of call centres in Myanmar’s border towns, the intensity of which has increased since Liu’s arrival in Thailand.

Shortly after his arrival, the Thai government imposed utility supply bans on parts of Myanmar.

Liu was seen travelling to border provinces, adjacent to Myanmar’s townships where the call centres operate. He also held discussions with the Burmese warlord who controls one of the towns.

“Liu has endorsed the utility cuts, saying that they have proven to be successful and have helped significantly in tackling the problem,” Phumtham said.

Thailand has not agreed, for humanitarian reasons, to a proposal to block the flow of consumer goods to Myanmar.

Thailand will host a tripartite meeting with Myanmar and China to address transnational crime, which is expected to be held next week.

Regarding the repatriation of those rescued from call centre gangs, Phumtham said that Thailand has agreed that some will be repatriated immediately, without stopping over in Thailand.

“All the processes, including the National Referral Mechanism, used to screen victims, must be completed on the Myanmar side before repatriation. We are just a transit point, as we do not want to set up any camps for displaced persons,” Phumtham said.