The tough stance of the two governments stems from the "Wang Xing Effect," a high-profile human trafficking case involving Chinese actor Wang Xing that has attracted global attention. Shortly after entering Thailand on January 3, Wang Xing was lured to the crime-ridden area of Myawaddy, Myanmar, and then disappeared. Although the case was quickly resolved, it effectively opened the "Pandora's Box" regarding the illegal activities of Chinese criminal gangs in the region.
The strong global reaction to "Scam City" and concerns for tourist safety have prompted the Thai government to take action. Reports indicate that the Chinese public has intensified calls for the government to crack down on these criminal gangs, as many Chinese citizens have suffered the same fate as Wang Xing and are still trapped.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded to public concerns, encouraging regional countries to work together to eradicate transnational scam groups.
The "Gray" Areas of BGF and DKBA
The influence of BGF extends from the banks of the Moei River in the Mae Sot area of Tak, Thailand, to the city of Myawaddy, Myanmar, notorious for locations like Shwe Koko and KK Park, surrounded by multiple crime hotspots. Meanwhile, the southern region of Chong Kaeb (Tachang District), located opposite Baan Chong Kaeb in Phop Phra District of Tak Province, is controlled by Saw Kyaw La (Ko Sai), leader of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), who has dealings with criminals.
In recent years, Thailand has become a gateway to crime across the border, with mountainous, paddy field, and plantation areas along the Thai-Myanmar border controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU), which is currently fighting the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw). As the Tatmadaw attempts to retake the long-held AH1 base from KNU, the fighting has intensified in recent months.
Indeed, Thailand has become a conduit for minority armed groups such as BGF, DKBA, and KNU, which are also exploited by criminal gangs. In the areas controlled by BGF and DKBA, criminal activities are particularly severe. As such, these two armed groups have amassed enormous wealth by collecting rent and protection fees, thus being seen as accomplices in cross-border crime activities between China and Myanmar.
The Responses of the Chinese Government and the Stance of the Thai Government
Today, the Chinese government is seriously addressing global concerns, stating that it will crack down on scam call centers to rescue thousands of Chinese laborers lured into the gray industry. However, the Thai government has yet to make a clear statement, only instructing provincial authorities and the Royal Thai Police to handle the matter. Clearly, these measures are far from sufficient to deal with these criminal gangs, requiring collaboration from multiple forces.
If the Thai government truly wishes to take a tough stance against the two major Karen armed groups, BGF and DKBA, it could do so by cutting off their logistical routes and trade chains, strengthening border control, and arresting scammers. Thailand must also completely sever ties with BGF and DKBA, stopping their involvement in these malicious business activities. However, we know that some Thai government officials receive kickbacks from scam groups, acting as their intermediaries, making it extremely difficult to combat these criminal activities.
However, the Thai government could perhaps emulate China's 2023 crackdown in the Kokang Autonomous Region, by providing arms support to the local old armed forces to retake areas controlled by the Myanmar-backed leader Bai Xuoqian. Eventually, this leader was arrested and extradited back to China for punishment.
Furthermore, Chinese authorities have also strengthened their influence over the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which is allied with The Brotherhood Alliance. Previously, China supported the United Wa State Army (UWSA) until it occupied border areas adjacent to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son in Thailand. Only after forming an alliance with Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing did China issue a ban on The Brotherhood Alliance, demanding a halt to their military actions against the Myanmar military.
The Position of KNU and Thailand's Choices
It is important to note that among all Karen armed groups, only the Karen National Union (KNU) has consistently distanced itself from criminal activities, as its leaders are primarily true freedom fighters. Unlike the leaders of BGF and DKBA, who accumulate wealth through cooperation with criminals, KNU leaders oppose human trafficking and scam call centers. However, there are still a few "black sheep" within KNU who have dealings with BGF.
Therefore, the Thai government might consider supporting KNU in combating scammers in Myawaddy, which would be better than waiting for China to intervene through the Myanmar military government. This move could also involve negotiations with other Karen armed groups. If this scenario unfolds, Thailand's border situation will become even more complex, which is not beneficial for Thailand, as it could lead to a loss of control over the border, similar to when the United Wa State Army took over the Mae Hong Son side of the border after the weakening of the Tatmadaw.
Today, with the increased strength of the United Wa State Army, it is earning substantial income from drug trafficking through the Thai border, which is also a major root cause of Thailand's domestic drug problem.
The Thai government must now extend a helping hand to the forces of justice, no longer turning a blind eye, allowing drug lords and criminals to run rampant at their doorstep, no longer adopting the attitude of "it's none of our business."
The Dilemma of BGF and the Choices of the Thai Government
As BGF increases its recruitment of new soldiers and publicly displays military exercise photos, it is clear that Saw Chit Thu is concerned about the current situation. Undoubtedly, if the Thai government strikes against Chinese criminals, this will directly affect BGF's interests. However, BGF's leaders have no choice, and the Thai government faces the same dilemma.
