Travel to Thailand and Myanmar
Vera Kravtsova, 26, a Belarusian singer and former contestant on The Voice Russia, travelled to Bangkok in September 2025 after accepting a modelling job offer. Thai daily Khaosod reported that she arrived in Bangkok on 12 September 2025, and subsequently flew to Yangon, Myanmar, on 20 September 2025 via Thai Airways.
According to Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, Vera left Thailand voluntarily. Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Cherngron Rimphadee confirmed that there were no signs of abduction and that CCTV footage showed she passed through Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Automatic Channel without duress.
“What happened after she arrived in Myanmar is beyond Thailand’s jurisdiction,” he added.
Forced to Work at Scam Camp
Upon arriving in Myanmar, Vera reportedly lost all contact with her family. International media reported that she was forced to work in a cyber scam camp. At these camps, victims pose as fake online personas to extort money through romance scams.
Her passport and mobile phone were allegedly confiscated. According to reports, she failed to meet financial targets set by the group. After that, her family was contacted with a demand for US$500,000 (approximately 18.3 million baht) for the return of her body. When the payment was not made, her family was informed that she had already been cremated.
Death and Cremation
In early October, Vera’s family received an official document from Myanmar confirming her death. The letter reportedly stated that she “worked in a village in Myanmar, died of a heart attack, and was cremated in the village of Inkin on 16 October 2025 at 12:00.”
Other media reported claims that her body was sold for organ harvesting before cremation.
Official Response
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) expressed concern over the case, warning that online discussions about Vera’s disappearance could affect confidence in Thailand’s tourism safety. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool instructed the TAT Moscow Office to assess the situation and monitor social media. The agency stated that no travel cancellations had been linked to the incident but advised travellers to remain cautious abroad.
The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Vera left Bangkok for Yangon on 20 September 2025 and is cooperating with Thai and Myanmar authorities. The embassy continues to advise citizens to exercise caution when accepting job offers abroad, especially in high-risk regions.
Context
Vera’s case is part of a broader issue in Southeast Asia. A 2023 UN report highlighted that approximately 120,000 victims of human trafficking are currently detained in Myanmar, many forced to work in scam operations. Previous cases, such as that of Russian model Dashinima Ochirnimayeva, show that trafficked individuals often face harsh conditions and threats of violence.
Thai authorities have since reinforced screening measures to prevent trafficking, including risk assessments at airports, recording accommodation details, and coordinating with border checkpoints. This year alone, over 34,000 individuals were denied entry under the free-visa scheme due to suspected links to trafficking networks.
Video footage of Vera at Thai airport:
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Six, Including Teen, Arrested in Johor for Human Trafficking and Labour Exploitation
4 Men, Including 3 Singaporeans, Face Death for Cocaine Vape Trafficking in M’sia
South African Mother Given Life Sentence for Kidnapping and Trafficking Six-Year-Old Daughter
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