Thailand’s decision to cut off power supply to three areas in Myanmar known for housing online scamming hubs has sparked reactions both domestically and internationally. The targeted areas of Myawaddy, Payathonzu, and Tachileik have long been under scrutiny for hosting criminal syndicates engaging in fraudulent activities.
Last week, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, Liu Zhongyi, expressed concerns about the prevalence of scamming operations in Myanmar during a meeting with the Thai commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Zhongyi highlighted the presence of 36 Chinese scamming gangs employing over 100,000 workers in compounds within the country. The recent high-profile case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was rescued from a notorious scam hub in Myawaddy, added fuel to the fire.
The Thai government has faced pressure to tackle the issue of scamming activities along its borders, especially with the viral attention drawn to the Wang Xing case. The National Security Council and other government agencies recently met to discuss security concerns along the border, leading to the decision to cut off power supply to specific areas where scams operate.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of Thai citizens amidst the crackdown on scamming operations. The decision to cut off electricity to the affected areas is estimated to impact nearly $18 million in annual revenue from electricity sales. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the scams were costing Thailand over $2 million per day.
Since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, criminal groups, many with Chinese connections, have established bases in border regions controlled by rebel groups or militias loosely affiliated with the ruling junta. These groups have been using these areas as bases to conduct fraudulent activities, causing significant financial losses to Thailand.
The move to disrupt operations at scamming compounds aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s visit to China, where discussions on cross-border security and cooperation are expected to take place. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed China’s commitment to combating telecom fraud and online scams along the Thailand-Myanmar border, emphasizing the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in addressing these issues.
China and Thailand have reportedly vowed to establish a coordination center in Bangkok to combat cyber scams more effectively. This joint effort reflects a growing recognition of the need for cross-border cooperation to combat transnational criminal activities, particularly in the realm of online fraud and scams.
Overall, Thailand’s decision to cut off power supply to scamming hubs in Myanmar is part of a broader effort to address the challenges posed by organized criminal groups operating across borders. The crackdown on fraudulent activities is not only aimed at safeguarding Thailand’s interests but also at enhancing regional security and cooperation in combating cybercrime.