Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Prawit, announced that effective immediately, the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand will cut off the electricity supply to Myanmar and warned relevant staff that any delays or inaction will result in reassignment.
During a speech at the Prime Minister's Office on this issue, Prawit stated that after an investigation by the National Security Council, it was found that some of the electricity supplies to Myanmar were related to transnational telecommunications fraud gangs, and the problem has become extremely serious.
He noted that Thailand has been providing electricity to Myanmar since 1992, initially under the framework of two cabinet resolutions, and later policies gradually relaxed, allowing direct power supply to border areas without further cabinet approval. However, if the power supply involves national security risks, the local electricity authority has the right to suspend or terminate the supply.
Prawit emphasized that telecommunications fraud has become a serious social issue, affecting Thailand's social order and economic security. According to a report from the Technology Crime Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police, from June 2022 to June 2024, over 500,000 Thais were victims of telecommunications fraud, with losses exceeding 60 billion Thai Baht, posing a significant threat to the national economy.
He further pointed out that if the investigation confirms that the power supplier is involved with fraud gangs or transnational crimes, the local electricity authority has the right to take measures to cut off the power supply. Prawit reiterated that national security is always the government's top priority, and the government will not ignore this issue.
