It's good to have close friendships, but sometimes it's essential to exercise caution and not place too much trust in someone. Such was the case with a Malaysian man who, after receiving a job offer from a friend, found himself embroiled in a harrowing ordeal.

David, a 22-year-old businessman from Sarawak, had been running a mobile phone parts business and was looking to improve his income for a better life. In April of this year, a friend named Steven, whom he had known for a few months, informed him of a job opportunity. Steven was currently travelling in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and claimed to need a translator for his trip. He invited David to join him on the journey, promising to cover all travel expenses.

The enticing job opportunity led David to invite his friend Laura, and they both hopped on a plane to Chiang Mai. However, upon landing, they were surprised not to find Steven, the friend who had arranged the job. Instead, they were greeted by a driver holding a sign with David and Laura's names.

The driver was not alone, and he had an accomplice. To their shock, upon getting into the car, the accomplice brandished a firearm, demanding their passports and phones. Frightened, David and Laura complied, helpless to resist. They were then abducted by criminals and transported from the Thai border to a scam headquarters in Myanmar, spending a total of four harrowing days in transit.

Upon arrival, the criminals coerced them into signing contracts and deceived them into purchasing virtual currencies. Additionally, they were given only three days to familiarize themselves with the use of the Chinese app, Little Red Book, and a TikTok-like platform. Despite the pressure, David and Laura refused to succumb to the scammers' demands. They declined to sign the contracts and requested their release, even if it meant paying a ransom.

While the criminals did not force them into submission, David and Laura were stranded in the deep heartland of Myanmar, unsure of their next steps. Fortunately, a miraculous turn of events unfolded. "Three days later, a group of Burmese soldiers stormed the casino building and checked on the staff. When they discovered that neither of us had signed any contracts, they instructed us to pack our things and then brought us to Pang Kham, about a nine-hour drive from the Thai-Myanmar border. Once there, we borrowed a phone to contact our families," David recounted.

Following their escape, the procedure to return to Malaysia began, with David and Laura's families contacting Malaysian businessman Mr. Wong (known as "Thailand's Dragon") for assistance. David's mother sought help from the Myanmar authorities, but Mr. Wong believed it wouldn't be fruitful, considering they had entered Myanmar illegally.

When Mr. Wong arranged for their departure, they encountered an issue at the Thai border checkpoint. Lacking specific travel documents, they were temporarily detained. Thankfully, Mr. Wong paid locals in Myanmar to transport them to Da Nok Lum. From there, they ventured into the forest and met with Thai soldiers at the border, eventually securing their rescue and returning safely to Malaysia.

We are glad that they have returned home safely but this is also a stern reminder that not all friends can be trusted.