Defence Minister States Provincial Electricity Authority Can Act on National Security Grounds
PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 15:54
UPDATED: 4 Feb 2025 at 19:01
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced an immediate halt to the provision of fuel and electricity to call-scam operations based in Myanmar near the Thai border.
On Tuesday, Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized that if there is clear evidence of scams benefitting from Thai resources, the supply could be severed immediately.
Communities in Myanmar bordering Thailand also depend on Thai fuel and electricity.
“We must prioritize our citizens,” the prime minister stated.
The recent activities of these scam gangs have significantly affected Thai citizens and tarnished the nation’s image.
“This demands immediate action … this is a serious concern that involves all nations,” Ms. Paetongtarn stressed.
When questioned about the timing of supply disconnections, she replied, “It can happen today. If discussions yield clear conclusions, it can be cut off immediately.”
Ms. Paetongtarn is set to embark on a four-day official visit to China, where she will engage with President Xi Jinping on regional cyberfraud scams, trade cooperation, and more.
Additionally, the prime minister hopes to reassure Chinese tourists about safety in Thailand, especially following concerns raised by reports of a Chinese actor’s trafficking to Myanmar via Thailand last month.
Throughout Southeast Asia, cyber scam operations have ballooned into a multi-billion-dollar industry, particularly in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, often run by Chinese fugitives who sought refuge in regions with weakened military governance. (Story continues below)
Myawaddy in Kayin state, which borders Mae Sot district in Tak Province, has seen dramatic changes due to significant Chinese investments in new business and entertainment projects.
National Security Concerns
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phutham Wechayachai stated that the Provincial Electricity Authority could immediately cease cross-border power supplies if national security is at stake.
The existing contracts empower the PEA to adjust or terminate power supplies to safeguard national security, he noted.
“Between June 2022 and June 2024, over 500,000 Thai individuals fell victim to these scam gangs, suffering losses exceeding 60 billion baht. A gradual reduction of power is insufficient given the severity of the issue,” Mr. Phumtham remarked.
“Today, I will instruct the National Security Council to notify the PEA that addressing this situation is critical and that power supplies to scammers must be terminated immediately,” he emphasized.
A recent article in a Myanmar state-run newspaper highlighted that essential services like power and internet are reliant on investments from foreign entities, hinting at Thai contributions.
The military government in Myanmar has reportedly repatriated over 55,000 foreign workers, predominantly Chinese, who were compelled to work in scam operations.
