Workers from several countries, including Myanmar nationals, have been fleeing online scam compounds near Myawaddy on the Thailand–Myanmar border since the morning of 22 October, amid reports of an imminent junta crackdown, local residents said.

The exodus began from scam hubs in Mae Htaw Tha Lay, In Kyin Myaing, and Min Let Pan, where compounds such as Dongmei Park, Huanya Park, Poly Park, KK Park, and Shunda Park operate under the control of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) – also known as the Karen National Army (KNA) – and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA).

“Military commission troops arrived at KK Park last night and are reportedly preparing to clash with the BGF. This morning, BGF Brigadier General Saw Tin Win – known locally as ‘Grandpa Tin Win’ – released all Chinese nationals from the site and allowed them to leave,” a resident of In Kyin Myaing told Mizzima.

Myanmar workers at the online scam centres are reportedly hiding along the Thaungyin (Moei) River, fearing arrest as they attempt to flee toward Myawaddy. Some have been transported to Myawaddy and Kyauktaw by BGF/KNA and DKBA forces, sources said.

Others, including Chinese and other foreign nationals, are escaping across the Thaungyin River into Thailand. “Around 11 am, workers tried to cross from the In Kyin Myaing floating market gate to the Thai side,” said a resident of Mae Htaw Tha Lay. “The BGF was negotiating with Thai officials, but crossings were halted by noon. Some managed to cross at other points, though several were caught by Thai soldiers.”

Thai authorities have detained more than 200 foreign nationals who fled the scam centres and are preparing to house additional arrivals, according to a source close to the Thai government.

“We’ve heard that over 100 foreigners from Myanmar have arrived in Mae Khue, with around 2,000 more expected,” said a Mae Sot resident.

Those fleeing include workers from online scam and casino operations, as well as cleaners, cooks, security guards, and construction workers, most of them Myanmar nationals.

A Mizzima reporter stationed near KK Park on the Thai side said the compound appeared deserted.

“Construction has stopped, and the buildings are silent. There’s no sign of a raid,” the reporter said, adding that Thai troops were inspecting suspected foreigners in Mae Sot and had seized a car near the Naung Bwa roundabout earlier in the day.

The junta had earlier claimed in an October 19 statement that it had raided KK Park and seized Starlink satellite dishes and other equipment. However, independent investigations have since revealed the operation was staged, with evidence showing the images were taken at a separate site.

Despite reports of mass flight from scam compounds, online operations in Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko both under BGF/KNA control, are reportedly continuing without interruption.