Thai authorities have maintained utility cuts in border regions as part of efforts to disrupt call‐centre scams targeting Thai citizens, despite protests from communities in Myanmar.

On Monday, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that pressure from protesters would not affect the government’s decision to suspend electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to affected areas.

The measure, implemented last week, covers border areas including Tachileik, Myawaddy, and Phaya Thonsu townships.

On Saturday, about three thousand protesters in Myawaddy township called on Myanmar authorities to close the first and second Thai‐Myanmar Friendship Bridges linking Myanmar to Tak province.

Minister Phumtham emphasized that efforts should focus on removing call‐centre gangs operating along the border, noting that Thai border officials would summon suspects involved in these operations on Monday.

He also addressed calls for a boycott of Thai products, highlighting that local communities rely on these goods for daily needs.

The minister announced plans to visit Phaya Thonsu in Myanmar on Wednesday and Poipet in Cambodia on Sunday to assess the situation, and confirmed that the utility cuts had not been extended to other areas.

Authorities are intensifying inspections across fifty‐one border districts to curb fuel smuggling from Thailand to Myanmar, with individuals caught smuggling fuel facing charges related to supporting call‐centre operations.

Similar restrictions on fuel purchases using portable containers have been imposed in Chiang Rai and five other areas, with the possibility of further measures if required.

In a related development, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army recently ordered the expulsion of Chinese nationals operating casinos and food businesses in Phaya Thonsu.

Minister Phumtham noted that this order was not expected to impact Thai consumers in Myanmar.

Additionally, a source from the Commerce Ministry indicated that the National Security Council, chaired by Phumtham, is scheduled to meet with relevant agencies on Tuesday to review the utility cut strategy.

Thai authorities have advised businesses to avoid exporting solar panels to Myanmar, and the NSC is considering an official ban on such exports to prevent call centres from using solar power.

Should this proposal advance, the Commerce Ministry will submit it to the Cabinet and the committee on the price of goods and services.

The Department of Foreign Trade is also set to update the NSC on the Thailand‐Myanmar trade outlook, which is projected to decline this year.