Security Authorities Urged to Address Scam Hubs as Threats to Thailand
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has formally requested clarification from the National Security Council (NSC) regarding the legal procedures necessary for the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to potentially terminate the power supply to regions in Myanmar heavily impacted by criminal activities, particularly call-center scams.
The NSC has stated that it lacks the jurisdiction to designate areas in Myanmar as threats to Thailand, which would support the justification for discontinuing utility services.
In correspondence to the NSC secretary-general, Anutin highlighted that the PEA currently provides electricity to five locations in Myanmar: Payathonzu Town in Kayin State, two sectors in Tachilek Town in Shan State, and two areas in Myawaddy in Kayin State.
A cabinet resolution, established on March 5, 1996, authorizes the PEA to sell electricity to border-adjacent customers in neighboring countries without requiring policy-level approval, although notification to the National Energy Policy Council is mandatory.
Further referencing a cabinet resolution from May of the previous year, Anutin emphasized the need for the Ministry of Interior to collaborate with various agencies to halt the delivery of cross-border public utility services exploited for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, scams, and human trafficking.
Accordingly, Anutin requested the NSC to confirm whether illegal activities in the aforementioned areas pose a threat to peace, order, or security in Thailand, as such intel could warrant the cessation of power supply.
The PEA has indicated that any power cut would necessitate an official declaration from Thai security authorities, and possibly from Myanmar, before taking action on specific locations.
The NSC secretary-general noted that while the council possesses the authority to mandate power cuts in response to perceived security threats, the PEA must consult with its contractual partners to ensure decisions adhere to legal standards.
Chatchai underlined the importance of reviewing the legal agreements between the PEA and its original contracting parties to identify any provisions pertinent to service discontinuation. He reiterated that the NSC does not hold authority to label specific areas as dangerous.
“All actions must comply with legal frameworks,” he conveyed.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa addressed the matter during an ad-hoc committee meeting on the Myanmar crisis, indicating that the possibility of cutting power to border areas associated with scam operations was a significant topic of discussion.
