Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Prawit responded at the Government House to the previous remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin. Anutin stated that if the power supply to the telecommunication fraud dens is discovered, the national security departments should order the power supply to Myanmar to be cut off.
In response, Prawit emphasized that if it involves national security, the relevant departments have the authority to decide to cut off the power supply, which is within their statutory powers.
However, if it is not possible to determine whether there are security risks in a specific area, further investigation and handling by the security departments are required, in accordance with normal law enforcement procedures.
When asked "if the Ministry of Interior submits a request, can the power supply be cut off immediately," Prawit stated that as one of the national security agencies, any decision needs to be coordinated and discussed.
Currently, the government has integrated various forces to address the issue of telecommunication fraud and has established a drug issue tracing and combat command headed by commanders of various military regions to ensure the highest decision-making authority.
Cutting off power supply involves security risks, but requires specific analysis
Regarding whether to cut off the power supply to Myanmar involves national security issues, Prawit stated that overall there are indeed security risks, but specific analysis is needed. He pointed out that the power supply to Myanmar involves two key areas:
1. Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge: This area is a normal residential area with a childcare center and medical institutions, and no activities related to drugs or telecommunication fraud gangs have been found, so the power supply has not been cut off.
2. Yomphong District: There are legal residents living in the area, and normal power supply is maintained.
However, the government has cut off the power supply in Mae Ramat and Mae Sot districts in 2024. Prawit emphasized that anyone who knows that there is still power supply to the telecommunication fraud gangs and does not stop it will be considered an accomplice and will be prosecuted according to the law.
The government strengthens monitoring to prevent fraud gangs from generating their own power
Prawit further added that since June 2024, the government has completely cut off the power supply in the fraud-related areas and dismantled all internet signal towers. However, he also pointed out that if the fraud gangs use their own generators, this is their internal behavior, and the government will continue to monitor.
When asked "whether the telecommunication fraud gangs use their own generators," Prawit stated that the government has completely stopped the power supply, but it is not possible to confirm whether the gangs are using their own power privately.
He emphasized that law enforcement personnel have been deployed in the relevant areas to closely monitor any possible illegal power transmission activities to prevent criminals from continuing to engage in telecommunication fraud activities.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit clearly stated that the Thai government has taken decisive actions to cut off the power supply related to telecommunication fraud gangs and has strengthened the crackdown on illegal power supply activities.
He further emphasized that anyone who knows but does not report will be considered an accomplice and will be legally accountable.
The government will continue to closely monitor possible illegal activities to ensure that cross-border telecommunication fraud crimes are no longer successful.
