Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Prawit, responded to accusations by Myanmar media that Thailand was providing electricity and support to scam centers. He stated that the scam centers and related criminal activities are located within Myanmar, and Thai authorities have cooperated with Myanmar to address the issue, but Myanmar has indicated that these areas are difficult to access and have limited human resources.
Prawit noted that the local electricity authority in Thailand is responsible for external power supply, which is part of normal operations. Currently, there are four locations in Thailand that supply electricity externally, including the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II and the Myawaddy border area with Myanmar, which have been confirmed to be actually supplying power. However, the Mae Ramat and Mae Sot areas are particularly problematic as they are hotspots for online gambling and scam center activities.
The Mae Ramat area is the main base for the KK Park scam syndicate, while the Mae Sot area is home to the large scam center known as Watergutter Valley Asia City.
The Thai authorities cut off power to these areas on June 5 last year and dismantled related signal towers and base stations. Currently, Thailand is coordinating with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and relevant operators to address the issue. Although these areas still have network signal coverage, the problem is expected to be resolved soon.
Prawit emphasized that combating transnational crime requires cooperation among multiple countries, especially Myanmar and China. Currently, China has clearly stated that it will provide full assistance.
Additionally, although Thailand has been pointed out as one of the transit countries for scam center victims to enter the crime areas, it is not the only route. Typically, victims transit through Thailand and land at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they are monitored throughout by surveillance cameras.
Prawit added that most victims of telecom scams voluntarily go due to the lure of high salaries, but the actual working conditions are far from expectations, and some try to escape when they cannot bear it. Previously, 32 Indonesian citizens successfully fled to Thailand, were discovered and detained by the Thai military, and were prosecuted for illegal entry.
If not involved in other illegal activities, they will be released after the legal proceedings are concluded. Prawit stated that Thailand will continue to intensify efforts to combat telecom scams and related criminal activities, protect the rights of victims, and strengthen cooperation with the international community to eradicate transnational crime networks.
