TAK, Feb 7 (TNA) – Thailand has entered the second night of its cutoff of power, internet, and fuel supplies to the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy, escalating efforts to dismantle the operations of Chinese criminal syndicates.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the Thai government had discussed with Myanmar before cutting off electricity and pointed out that they set a 6-month timeframe for the cutoff before deciding whether to extend it.
The move, which began on Wednesday, has seen a significant decrease in electricity consumption observed in Myawaddy.
From vantage points along the Mae Sot border, the lights of Myawaddy, including those in areas controlled by Chinese criminal groups, were visibly dimmer compared to previous nights.
The lights we see in Myawaddy are about half of what they used to be. Most likely, residents are relying on solar power and generators, as the distinct hum of generators can be heard.
Fuel has become scarce and expensive in Myawaddy, with prices soaring to over 40 baht per liter. Reports indicate that purchases are limited to one liter per person per day.
The cutoff has raised concerns about potential smuggling of fuel and solar panels. Thai authorities are preparing to meet with 59 border crossing operators on Friday to seek their cooperation in addressing this issue.
The Thai measures have drawn a reaction from a leader of a Myanmar Border Guard Force (BGF) group operating in the Shwe Kokko area, a hub of Chinese investment. The leader is said to be preparing a statement calling on Thailand to jointly develop the border area and pledging cooperation in combating crime in Myawaddy.
Meanwhile, 61 foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals, were released by the BGF and crossed into Thailand on Thursday. They told Thai authorities that they were victims of call center scams and forced labor in Myawaddy. Some claimed they were not paid wages or were physically abused. -819
