Thailand has taken a firm decision to completely shut off the power supply in several border areas with Myanmar in order to crack down on fraudulent centers that are engaging in illegal online operations and exploiting people. The announcement was made by the deputy prime minister of Thailand, Phumta Vechachai, on February 4th.
According to the UN, organized criminal groups have victimized hundreds of thousands of individuals, forcing them to work in fraudulent centers along the southeastern region, including the border between Thailand and Myanmar. The UN report from 2023 reveals that these activities generate billions of dollars in revenue annually.
Vechachai emphasized the urgent need to take action and cut off the electricity supply to these fraudulent centers. Instructions have already been given to provincial energy companies. The spotlight on these centers intensified after the recent abduction of Chinese actor Van Sina, who was discovered in Myanmar by Thai authorities shortly after arriving in Thailand in January.
Thailand is particularly concerned about the impact of this issue on the tourism industry, especially following recent incidents involving Chinese citizens, who are a major source of tourism for the country. Prime Minister Pashtongtorn Chinavat intends to discuss with the Council of National Security strategies to combat fraudulent centers, including the option of power suspension.
“This situation has tarnished the country’s reputation and affected many residents,” Chinavat stated. She indicated that if the discussions yield positive outcomes, the power outage could take effect as early as today.
The head of the National Security Council confirmed that transnational criminal networks are actively operating in areas like tachylek, Myavadi, and Pajafonza in Myanmar – locations where the electricity supply could be cut off.
Reports from local media in Myanmar in January highlighted the presence of fraudulent centers, noting that the electricity and internet supply to these facilities primarily originates from outside Myanmar. Since October 2023, Myanmar authorities have repatriated over 55,000 foreigners, predominantly Chinese citizens who were coerced into working at these centers.
While criminal schemes constantly evolve, resolute actions from governments demonstrate that the technologies exploited by attackers can be turned against them. In a world where crime is transnational, combating it demands not only strength but also a strategic approach.