Electricity, internet, and fuel supply to cease on Wednesday in five areas affected by scam operations.
In a strategic move to combat the growing threat posed by call-center scam gangs, the Thai government will discontinue electricity, internet services, and fuel supply to five regions in Myanmar, starting Wednesday morning. This announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Phutham Wechayachai.
This decisive measure follows a recent National Security Council meeting, where high-ranking officials acknowledged the urgent need to act against these criminal networks that jeopardize national security.
The targeted areas include Myawaddy, Payathonzu, and Tachilek, all known hotspots for scam activities. Effective Wednesday at 9 AM, services will be severed at five strategic connection points:
- Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge-Myawaddy
- Ban Huay Muang-Myawaddy
- Three Pagodas-Payathonzu
- Ban Mueang Daeng-Tachileik
- First Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge-Tachileik
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with the Myanmar government to ensure that hospitals and communities are informed and able to prepare for the disruptions.
The impact on regular electricity customers unaffiliated with illicit activities remains uncertain, as officials assess the situation. Local sources indicate discussions have taken place with Myanmar authorities, emphasizing that the challenges posed by these crime groups extend beyond Thailand’s borders.
Earlier, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra endorsed the immediate suspension of power and fuel supplies to identified locations associated with the gangs, stressing the need for rapid action where evidence of their operations is clear.
“We must prioritize the safety of our citizens,” the Prime Minister stated, highlighting the significant negative implications the scam operations have on public welfare and Thailand’s national image.
While addressing escalating concerns, Prime Minister Paetongtarn will embark on a four-day official visit to China, where discussions are anticipated regarding the proliferation of cyber fraud in neighboring regions, along with trade partnerships.
Expanding Cyber Scam Operations
The cyber scam threat has reached alarming levels across Southeast Asia, particularly affecting Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. These networks often operate under the guise of legitimate businesses while primarily benefiting Chinese criminals.
Many of these operations have been established by Chinese fugitives who evaded law enforcement in their home country and found refuge in parts of Myanmar where the military government has less control over rebel-occupied territories.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Phutham, between June 2022 and June 2024, over 500,000 Thai citizens fell victim to these scams, resulting in financial losses exceeding 60 billion baht. Recognizing the severity of the problem, he emphasized that halting supply connections rather than a gradual reduction would be more effective.
The ongoing issue has also been acknowledged by Myanmar’s state-run media, which indicated that essential services in scam-affected regions are oftentimes supplied by foreign entities, implicitly referring to Thailand. Since October 2023, Myanmar’s military regime has repatriated over 55,000 foreign nationals, predominantly from China, who had been coerced into working within these scam infrastructures.
