Thailand cuts power in Myanmar border area to prevent scams

(CLO) The Thai government announced that it will cut off electricity supply to some border areas with Myanmar to deal with online fraud centers, which are detaining and forcing tens of thousands of people to participate in illegal activities.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked and forced to work in smuggling hubs in Southeast Asia, particularly along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to the United Nations, with a 2023 UN report estimating the syndicates generate billions of dollars in revenue each year.

A street corner in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Krzysztof Duda

Faced with this situation, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai declared: "We need to act immediately to cut off the electricity. The authorities will instruct the Provincial Electricity Corporation to stop supplying electricity to these areas."

Scam centers have been in the spotlight since Chinese actor Wong Jing was kidnapped in Thailand last month and rescued by Thai police in Myanmar. The incident raised security concerns, especially among Chinese tourists , a key group in Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to take drastic measures: "This incident seriously affects many Thai people and the country's image. Today, if we reach a consensus, we will cut off the electricity immediately," she said.

Previously, Thailand's National Security Council confirmed that transnational criminal organizations are active in Tachileik, Myawaddy and Payathonzu – three areas in Myanmar that may be on the list of areas subject to power cuts.

The Global New Light of Myanmar said electricity, internet and other necessities at these scam centers were not provided by Myanmar but came from "other countries", a reference to Thailand.

Myanmar's military government said that since October 2023, it has brought more than 55,000 foreigners, mainly Chinese citizens, out of scam centers and back to their home country.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, BangkokPost)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thai-lancat-dien-khu-vuc-bien-gioimyanmar-de-doi-pho-cac-trung-tam-lua-dao-post333083.html