Taiwan has taken a bold move by labeling five Southeast Asia countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, as high-risk destinations due to their associations with emerging scamming rings.
This decision was publicized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Interior last Friday, emphasizing increased worries about regional criminal organizations that prey on international tourists.
“Over the past few years, there have been several incidents involving Taiwanese being lured to Cambodia or Myanmar to work for scam gangs, ” the ministry said.
Now, warnings will be clearly visible on the airline tickets of passengers heading to these nations. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to use a travel safety app created by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to boost their awareness of security issues while overseas.
This increased vigilance follows numerous cases in which Taiwanese nationals were lured into participating in fraud operations, especially in Cambodia and Myanmar.
The recent release of 260 foreign nationals from a fraudulent operation in Myanmar, including seven from Taiwan, highlights the serious nature of these crimes. These individuals are being interviewed by Thai authorities and are expected to return home shortly.
In response, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency and the Aviation Police Bureau are stepping up their efforts to keep Taiwanese citizens from being drawn into these scams.
Airlines are also being asked to include safety advisories in their electronic ticketing systems.
Since its launch in 2022, the travel safety app has provided essential advice on potential dangers and proper safety measures, equipping Taiwanese travelers with crucial information to navigate these high-risk regions safely.
Taiwan’s proactive approach emphasizes the need for global cooperation and alertness in fighting fraud and protecting international travelers.
Through these actions, Taiwan demonstrates its ongoing dedication to protecting its citizens and combating the threats posed by international criminal groups, as reported by Taiwan News.
