PUBLISHED: 3 Feb 2025 at 15:41
Thai authorities are deliberating whether to cut off power supply to illicit businesses operating in Myanmar’s border regions, as concerns escalate over scams targeting Chinese citizens.
Chatchai Bangchuad, secretary-general of the National Security Council, emphasized the need for thorough investigations, including site inspections by officials from both Thailand and Myanmar in areas suspected of criminal activity.
This discussion was prompted by China’s urgent request for Thailand to halt resources supplied to scam operations in Myawaddy, known for enticing Chinese nationals.
Chatchai revealed evidence of transnational crime networks, including call scam centers situated opposite Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, as well as in Myawaddy and Phaya Tong Su, which are adjacent to Thailand’s Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces, respectively.
Connections between call scam operations and casino businesses have been identified, raising concerns regarding power supply links, according to Mr. Chatchai.
Rising Suspicious Demand
There has been an unusual increase in power supply requests from these areas, which Thai authorities have rejected due to an inability of applicants to clarify their intentions behind these requests.
In response to previous concerns, the Thai government and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) have cut off power to Shwe Kokko and KK Park in Myawaddy, yet these facilities remain operational, potentially utilizing oil-fueled generators. Some users have reportedly sourced alternative electricity post-disconnection.
Any decisions to cut power must consider PEA contracts and the potential impact on neighboring communities, Mr. Chatchai noted.
PEA deputy governor Prasit Junprasit remarked that information gathering would be prioritized to facilitate decisions regarding power disconnections. However, he indicated that power cut decisions require cabinet approval due to prior endorsements for power supply to Myanmar.
Without such approval, power supply cessation may occur upon expiration of existing contracts, which typically last five years, according to Mr. Prasit.
