Thailand Mulls Cutting Power to Myanmar in Blow to Scam Centers

(Bloomberg) -- Thailand is looking to cut power supply to Myanmar towns with links to cyber scam operations, escalating actions after a high-profile trafficking of a Chinese actor put a spotlight on criminal activities across the Thai borders. 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the government will meet with the National Security Council on Tuesday afternoon to finalize the plan of cutting electricity supply. 

“There is no hesitation on this. We can cut off power immediately,” Paetongtarn told reporters after a cabinet meeting. “We must take care of our people first. This has had a significant impact on Thais and the country’s image.” 

Paetongtarn’s comment came before she flies to China on Wednesday, where she’s expected to meet President Xi Jinping to discuss trade cooperation as well as cyberfraud scams in Thailand’s neighboring countries. 

The prime minister will also ask Xi to help reassure Chinese tourists that it’s safe to travel to Thailand, amid concerns that some travelers are cancelling trips after last month’s viral trafficking of a Chinese actor near the Thai border with Myanmar.

Across Southeast Asia, the billion-dollar cyber scam operations have been expanding, particularly in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Often run by Chinese fugitives who fled their home nation in 2020 following a domestic crackdown, they have taken cover in areas of Myanmar where the military regime is losing control over territories to rebels. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Thailand Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the government can order the Provincial Electricity Authority, which supplies power to Myanmar, to stop doing so as an urgent matter of national security. 

The power supply cut will be among the first actions taken by Thailand in efforts to combat illicit activities across its borders. Last week, the cabinet approved new legal measures to require banks, telecom operators and social media platforms to be proactive in preventing online scams and be jointly responsible for financial losses suffered by the victims. The stricter rules will be effective after an amended royal decree, expected to be published sometime this month. 

“We need a strong measure now. After we talk it over, we can do it today,” Paetongtarn said. 

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