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Thailand Warns of Power Supply Cut to Myanmar Due to Call-Center Scams
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai cautions Myanmar about possible power outages due to call-center frauds functioning in Shwe Kokko and KK Park.
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, has issued a caution to Myanmar regarding its inability to control call-centre scam activities in the towns of Shwe Kokko and KK Park, situated near the Thai-Myanmar border.
Phumtham, who is also the Defence Minister, revealed that the National Security Council (NSC) would initially cut the power supply to these towns by 50% as a warning.
Should Myanmar fail to act against the illicit activities, a complete power shutdown may ensue.
These towns are notorious for hosting extensive online scam operations, predominantly operated by Chinese crime syndicates.
The scams frequently involve human trafficking and various forms of fraud.
The border region, which encompasses Shwe Kokko and KK Park, has turned into a hotspot for illegal activities, such as online fraud and human trafficking.
The NSC's decision to reduce power aims to pressure Myanmar to tackle these concerns.
Phumtham clarified that while Thailand provides electricity to Myanmar for humanitarian purposes, the consideration for a power reduction is a response to the unlawful operations.
He stressed the need to balance this action with the well-being of local residents.
The NSC plans to engage with the Myanmar government through diplomatic means to resolve this issue.
If no measures are taken, the power supply could face a complete cessation.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had previously proposed cutting power to the border towns, a suggestion backed by the NSC.
However, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul specified that the responsibility for the power reduction lies with the NSC, not the Interior Ministry.
The NSC also discussed actions against corrupt officials operating along the border and strategies for cooperation with China to combat scam operations.
Phumtham is scheduled to visit the Mae Sot border area and will provide further directives following this trip.
Moreover, he is set to meet with Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, to discuss collaborative efforts to address the call-centre gangs, many of which are based in the Myawaddy region.
Phumtham, who is also the Defence Minister, revealed that the National Security Council (NSC) would initially cut the power supply to these towns by 50% as a warning.
Should Myanmar fail to act against the illicit activities, a complete power shutdown may ensue.
These towns are notorious for hosting extensive online scam operations, predominantly operated by Chinese crime syndicates.
The scams frequently involve human trafficking and various forms of fraud.
The border region, which encompasses Shwe Kokko and KK Park, has turned into a hotspot for illegal activities, such as online fraud and human trafficking.
The NSC's decision to reduce power aims to pressure Myanmar to tackle these concerns.
Phumtham clarified that while Thailand provides electricity to Myanmar for humanitarian purposes, the consideration for a power reduction is a response to the unlawful operations.
He stressed the need to balance this action with the well-being of local residents.
The NSC plans to engage with the Myanmar government through diplomatic means to resolve this issue.
If no measures are taken, the power supply could face a complete cessation.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had previously proposed cutting power to the border towns, a suggestion backed by the NSC.
However, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul specified that the responsibility for the power reduction lies with the NSC, not the Interior Ministry.
The NSC also discussed actions against corrupt officials operating along the border and strategies for cooperation with China to combat scam operations.
Phumtham is scheduled to visit the Mae Sot border area and will provide further directives following this trip.
Moreover, he is set to meet with Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, to discuss collaborative efforts to address the call-centre gangs, many of which are based in the Myawaddy region.
