Thailand has turned off the lights for cross-border crime. Authorities suspended electricity to five key areas along the Myanmar border on Wednesday, aiming to dismantle transnational scam operations that exploit vulnerable populations across Southeast Asia.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the move, citing National Security Council findings that these zones — spanning three Myanmar states — violated agreements by hosting illegal activities. The affected areas reportedly facilitated call center scams, human trafficking, and money laundering networks impacting victims globally.
\"This is about protecting people, not just cutting wires,\" Anutin said at a press conference. \"By disrupting power to criminal hubs, we\u2019re targeting the infrastructure enabling modern slavery and financial fraud.\"
The decision marks Thailand\u2019s latest effort to combat tech-driven organized crime, following increased regional cooperation against cyber scams. While temporary, the blackout raises questions about balancing security measures with economic impacts on border communities.
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Thailand cuts power to border areas linked to online scams in Myanmar
cgtn.com
