CHIANG RAI, Thailand – A 19-year-old Russian woman made a desperate escape from Myanmar and crossed the Sai River into Thailand after reportedly being lured to the neighboring country with promises of a high-paying job before allegedly being forced to work for a romance scam operation.
The woman, identified as Ms. Mariya Mikhailovna, 19, from Chelyabinsk, Russia, had reportedly travelled to several countries including China, South Korea and Myanmar over the past one to two years. About two months ago, she was allegedly persuaded by a female Russian acquaintance to travel to Myanmar for work, with a promise of monthly earnings of up to US$3,000, or roughly 100,000 baht. She reportedly flew to Yangon before continuing to Mandalay. According to information provided to Thai authorities, she later discovered that the person in charge of the operation was a Chinese national. She was allegedly forced to work in a romance scam operation, using her appearance to establish relationships with victims and persuade them to invest in cryptocurrency.
When she reportedly refused to take part, she said she was physically assaulted and slapped by people connected with the operation, leaving bruises on her arms and legs. She was later allegedly moved to the Tachileik area of Myanmar, opposite Mae Sai in Chiang Rai, and taken to a two-storey house in a mountainous area. Information provided to authorities indicated that the journey involved travelling by a white sedan up a mountain before continuing on foot. The woman reportedly told authorities that about eight Myanmar men were gathered inside the property and appeared to be gambling. She was allegedly kept in a downstairs room. On August 9, she reportedly found an opportunity to escape. Carrying a large suitcase, she made her way from Tachileik towards the Sai River and crossed through a natural crossing into Mae Sai, Thailand. There were also reports that personnel on the Myanmar side encountered her during part of her escape and helped her continue towards the Thai side, although authorities are still checking the details.
She eventually appeared at the car park of the Tesco Lotus shopping center in Mae Sai. She was reportedly frightened and distressed, with visible bruising on her body. Mae Sai police and Chiang Rai Tourist Police responded and assisted her before arranging urgent medical treatment at Mae Sai Hospital. Chiang Rai Immigration officials also became involved in ensuring her safety and handling her immigration status. On August 10, she remained at the hospital while receiving treatment for her physical injuries and recovering from the apparent trauma. Police have attempted to obtain preliminary information through an interpreter, but officials reportedly found her account difficult to establish fully while she remained frightened and distressed.
Authorities plan to conduct a formal interview once her physical and mental condition improves. Investigators will also check her passport, available evidence, surrounding circumstances and CCTV footage to establish her movements and verify the details of her account. Officials are expected to coordinate with the Russian Embassy in Thailand once the investigation and necessary procedures have progressed, with further action to follow under diplomatic and legal procedures. The case has highlighted the dangers faced by people who are recruited abroad through promises of lucrative employment, particularly when the actual work and conditions are significantly different from what was advertised.
