NATIONAL, February 5th, 2025 – Thailand cut electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five border areas in Myanmar as part of efforts to combat scam call center operations, which have become a growing security concern.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that while the disruptions may affect criminal networks, Thailand can no longer be accused of enabling illegal activities.
Reuters reported that Myanmar’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar previously claimed that essential utilities in scam hubs were sourced from foreign countries, indirectly pointing to Thailand.
Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority cut power to Myawaddy (Karen State), Tachileik (Shan State), and Payathonsu (Mon State) at 9 AM on February 5th, affecting local residents. However, Chinese-run businesses and scam centers continued operating using backup generators.
A resident in Payathonsu reported that while locals suffered, large generators were brought in two days before the blackout, allowing call center scammers to function uninterrupted.
Meanwhile, in Tachileik, the power supply remained stable, as Myanmar had already secured electricity from Laos, mitigating the impact of Thailand’s cuts.
