Thailand to Cut Electricity to Myanmar Border to Combat Scam Compounds

BANGKOK – Thailand announced plans on Feb 4 to suspend electricity supply to certain border areas with Myanmar in an effort to disrupt scam operations that have trapped thousands of victims. The move comes amid increasing pressure to crack down on illegal compounds involved in online fraud and human trafficking.

Criminal networks across Southeast Asia, including along the Thai-Myanmar border, have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people, forcing them into fraudulent online schemes, according to a 2023 UN report. These illicit operations generate billions of dollars annually.

“We must take immediate action to cut off electricity,” Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated, confirming that the Provincial Electricity Authority would be directed to disconnect power to targeted areas.

The issue has gained renewed attention following the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who went missing in January after arriving in Thailand. He was later rescued by Thai police in Myanmar. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists, particularly from China, a key market for Thailand’s tourism industry.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that the National Security Council would meet on Feb 4 to finalize measures, including the power cuts.

“What happened has severely impacted Thai citizens and the country’s reputation,” she said. When asked about the timeline for the electricity shutdown, she added, “If discussions are clear today, we can act immediately.”

Authorities have identified key areas in Myanmar—Tachileik, Myawaddy, and Payathonzu—as major hubs for transnational scam operations and potential targets for power cuts.

In January, Myanmar’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper acknowledged the issue, stating that essential services such as electricity and internet in these scam centers were not provided by Myanmar, but rather by foreign entities—an apparent reference to Thailand.

Myanmar’s military government has reported the repatriation of over 55,000 foreign nationals—mostly Chinese—who were forced to work in scam centers since October 2023. As Thailand moves to disrupt these illicit operations, authorities hope the power supply suspension will deal a significant blow to the criminal syndicates operating along the border.