The Kenyan Embassy in Thailand has issued a stern warning to Kenyans about job scams in the countries of Myanmar and Lao PDR.
In a statement on Friday August 16, the Kenya Embassy in Bangkok highlighted the severe risks and ongoing issues faced by Kenyans who fall prey to fraudulent job offers in these regions.
“The Kenya Embassy in Bangkok is increasingly getting concerned and frustrated with Kenyans who continue to fall victim to human traffickers in Myanmar and Lao PDR,” the statement reads.
Further, the Embassy said that it is actively searching for three missing Kenyans believed to be in Myanmar, highlighting the urgent and risky nature of their mission.
According to the Embassy, many Kenyans are lured by fake job advertisements claiming to offer opportunities in Thailand, only to find themselves trapped in dangerous conditions in Myanmar and Lao PDR.
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The situation is compounded by the current civil unrest and criminal networks in the region, making it extremely perilous to extract individuals from these scam factories.
Kenya Embassy in Thailand Issues Warning Over Job Scams
Since 2022, the Embassy has been involved in rescuing over 140 Kenyans and other Africans from similar predicaments.
Despite warnings through various media outlets, Kenyans continue to be deceived into traveling to Myanmar and neighboring countries, often via Thailand.
The Embassy’s statement underscores the troubling trend of some Kenyans, who are themselves victims, becoming trafficking agents for criminal cartels.
These agents exploit unsuspecting individuals, charging up to Ksh300,000 for visas and air tickets that are later rendered invalid upon arrival in Thailand. Additionally, hotel reservations are frequently fabricated, leaving victims stranded and vulnerable.
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A particular concern is the misrepresentation of job opportunities. Traffickers advertise roles such as customer service, front office, cryptocurrency, and teaching positions in Thailand.
However, upon arrival, many discover that these jobs do not exist. Consequently, some victims end up destitute, sleeping on the streets of Bangkok and begging for food.
The Embassy has also reported cases of human trafficking for prostitution.
Kenyan Woman Dies in Bangkok
At the same time, the Embassy disclosed that a Kenyan woman died in Bangkok recently, reportedly from a blood clot, leaving the Embassy and family back in Kenya to organize the repatriation of her remains.
“The Embassy wishes to renew its warning and advice to the Kenyan public to be extremely careful while applying for any jobs advertised in Thailand or neighboring countries to avoid being sold into slavery,” the statement advises.
The Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok has maintained that it remains committed to helping Kenyans find legitimate employment opportunities.
It has encouraged anyone encountering suspicious job adverts in Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, or Cambodia to contact them for verification.
The Embassy can be reached at bangkok@mfa.go.ke for any inquiries or assistance related to job offers or trafficking concerns.
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