BANGKOK, Feb5 (TNA) – Thailand will cut electricity and internet supplies to five Myanmar border areas suspected of harboring call center scam operations, effective 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
The move follows the National Security Council meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Tuesday and the discussion between the Thai Defence Minister and Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi earlier that day, with both countries agreeing to jointly combat the scam issue.
Phumtham, speaking after a National Security Council meeting, said the decision also includes a ban on oil transport to the targeted areas. He noted China had provided intelligence and requested Thailand’s assistance in border monitoring to disrupt transportation routes. While border closure remains under consideration, he emphasized China respected Thailand’s sovereignty and did not pressure Thailand. He suggested expanding discussions to include Myanmar in a trilateral approach.
Phumtham highlighted the severe impact of call center scams, citing over 550,000 cases in Thailand with damages exceeding 86 billion baht ($2.5 billion), averaging 80 million baht daily. He said all relevant sectors, including healthcare facilities, have been notified to prepare for the disruptions. -819 (TNA)
