A Filipina working overseas in Thailand has reportedly been coerced into scamming activities by her Chinese employer, with allegations of physical abuse adding to the gravity of the situation.
The victim, known by the alias “Rhea,” was initially employed as an online casino agent alongside her partner. According to a report by JP Soriano of GMA Integrated News on the program Unang Balita, Rhea was financially successful, despite her stay in Thailand being under a tourist visa.
However, the situation deteriorated when Rhea was moved to a different location in Thailand. Her employer, described as Chinese, allegedly confined her in a building and forced her into scamming operations. She faced a dire ultimatum: continue the illicit activities or pay a substantial sum to her employer.
Rhea’s ordeal became public when her sister revealed that the employer demanded a payment ranging from P100,000 to P1 million for her release.
This case has garnered attention at the highest levels, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers being notified. Eduardo de Vega, the Foreign Affairs Undersecretary, confirmed that the Philippine Embassy in Thailand has been apprised of Rhea’s situation.
De Vega highlighted the uniqueness of this case, as Thailand is usually a transit point for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) being sent elsewhere. The DFA, known for its efforts in rescuing Filipinos involved in similar predicaments across Southeast Asia, is now actively involved in addressing Rhea’s distressing circumstances.