14 South Africans detained in Thailand to be deported back home

Fourteen South Africans in their early 20s, who were recruited for employment in Thailand and are now being detained in that country, are due to be deported back to South Africa. This was confirmed by Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri.

The youngsters were allegedly recruited by a South African man for employment in the IT sector. However, some allegedly ended up performing scamming activities, while others were allegedly deployed to the military.

They were allegedly recruited by a South African male.

According to a family member of one of the South Africans, they are not allowed any form of communication and are being physically assaulted. They are also only being fed once a day with food that does not meet health standards and are exposed to dirty water.

WATCH | Africans working in Thailand are being held against their will. Security strategist and retired Interpol ambassador Andy Mashaile describes the situation as “modern-day slavery”, warning that many victims are lured abroad with false promises of a better life. pic.twitter.com/Oqah6pWYVX

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 28, 2025

RELATED VIDEO | 14 South Africans held against their will in Thailand: Andy Mashaile weighs in
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The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) contacted Phiri, who confirmed that the 14 are due to be deported back to South Africa.