KATHMANDU: The Nepali Embassy in Bangkok has rescued 14 Nepali nationals who were trapped and forced to work in illegal online scamming centers in Myawaddy, Myanmar, officials confirmed Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the embassy, the individuals were brought to Thailand through the Mae Sot immigration office in Tak Province before being flown to Kathmandu on Nepal Airlines flight RA 402.

“These Nepali citizens had been lured to Myanmar under false promises of lucrative jobs and were later forced to work in illegally operated online scamming centers,” the embassy said. The rescue operation was carried out in coordination with authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand.

The embassy added that efforts are ongoing to repatriate an additional 11 Nepalis still stranded in the region.

Citing data from Thai authorities, the statement noted that since October 19, 2025, more than 2,000 foreigners from 28 countries—including 38 Nepalis—have entered Thailand after being rescued from scam centers operating in Myawaddy. Coordination is underway to facilitate the return of all remaining Nepali nationals.

The embassy also urged citizens to seek official labor permits before going abroad and warned against falling for fraudulent job offers or quick-money schemes in countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. “Do not travel under the pretext of tourism for employment purposes,” the statement emphasized.