A transnational "supply cut" storm has lifted the veil on the telecom fraud industry chain.
At 9 a.m. on February 5, 2025, the Thai government suddenly announced the implementation of "three cuts" - internet, electricity, and oil - in five areas inside Myanmar along the Thai-Myanmar border. This measure appears to be a simple energy control, but in fact, it is a thunderous strike against cross-border telecom fraud groups under pressure from China.
Why does Thailand need to cut off the infrastructure supply to its neighboring country? What kind of transnational criminal network is hidden behind this action?
An incident involving a Chinese actor has led to the Southeast Asian telecom fraud industry.
Just a month ago, the news that Chinese actor Wang Xing was lured to a fraud den in Myanmar while transiting through Thailand topped the hot search.
The victim's family's plea video, violent scenes within the scam park, and the "black tech + underworld" crime model have once again focused public attention on the Southeast Asian telecom fraud industry chain. And Thailand's "three cuts" action is a key link in this international anti-fraud campaign.
1. Full analysis of Thailand's "three cuts" action: From border power supply to cross-border supply cut
1. Why choose Myawaddy for the five cut points?
According to a statement by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Putan, the five areas where power, fuel, and network were cut are all located inside Myanmar, including Shan State Myawaddy and other places. These areas have long been occupied by telecom fraud groups, even forming "telecom fraud industrial parks" - parks equipped with high-tech equipment and armed security, luring citizens from multiple countries to participate in criminal activities with high salaries.
Geographical location is special: Myawaddy is adjacent to the Thai Mae Sot port, with frequent cross-border movements, becoming a "gray corridor" for criminals to hide and transfer.
Energy dependent on Thailand: Since 1992, the Thai Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has been supplying electricity to the Myanmar border through a cabinet resolution, and the power supply in these areas completely depends on Thailand.
2. Legal basis: How did the contract terms from 30 years ago become today's "trump card"?
The legality of Thailand's action is based on two key documents:
1996 Cabinet Resolution: Allows Thailand to sell electricity to neighboring border villages, and the contract stipulates that if the electricity user is involved in illegal activities, the Thai side can unilaterally terminate the supply without compensation.
2024 May Cabinet Resolution: Explicitly requires the Ministry of Interior to coordinate the cutting of public services that may be used for cross-border crimes, covering drug trafficking, fraud, human trafficking, and other areas.
3. Execution details: The supply cut is just the beginning, border blockade is also initiated
The Thai National Security Council announced after an emergency meeting:
Timeline: Decision made in the meeting on February 4, executed immediately at 9 a.m. on February 5.
Supporting measures: Simultaneously block all related border counties nationwide, cutting off the flow of personnel and materials.
Humanitarian considerations: Notify relevant Myanmar departments and medical institutions in advance to avoid paralysis of civilian services.
2. The "black gold empire" of the telecom fraud industry chain: Why are multiple countries helpless?
1. "Black tech + underworld" crime upgrade
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Southeast Asian telecom fraud has formed an "industrial chain":
Technical end: Virtual dialing, AI face swapping, big data precision fraud.
Funding end: Cryptocurrency laundering, underground money houses transfer.
Human resources end: Luring Chinese, Indian, Southeast Asian youths with high salaries, even coercing international students to participate in crimes.
2. The dilemma of cross-border governance
Jurisdiction dispute: The crime dens are located inside Myanmar, but the victims are all over the world, making law enforcement coordination difficult.
Local forces infiltration: Some local armed forces in Myanmar are tied to the interests of telecom fraud groups, forming a "protective umbrella."
Technology countermeasures lag: The iteration speed of scam technology far exceeds the investigative capabilities of police forces in various countries.
3. International response: China, Thailand, and Myanmar join hands, can they end telecom fraud?
1. China's diplomatic pressure and coordinated actions
High-level talks: On January 22, 2025, Liu Jinsong, Director of the Asian Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urgently met with the Thai and Myanmar ambassadors to China, demanding "resolute crackdown, never let go."
Cross-border pursuit: China issued a red notice through Interpol to capture the heads of telecom fraud.
2. The "contradiction and cooperation" of Thailand and Myanmar
Myanmar's awkward position: Although it has stated its support for anti-fraud, its local governance capacity is weak and depends on Thailand's energy supply.
Thailand's domestic pressure: Telecom fraud has led to a sharp increase in public property losses, even threatening the image of the tourism industry.
3. The "wait-and-see" and "follow-up" of the international community
U.S. silence: Has not made a clear stance on Southeast Asian telecom fraud, criticized by public opinion for "selective attention."
ASEAN mechanism: Plans to launch a regional anti-fraud intelligence sharing platform, but progress is slow.
4. The suspense behind the supply cut action
Will the telecom fraud groups "resurrect from the ashes"?
Short-term impact: The supply cut will cause communication paralysis and equipment shutdown in the scam parks.
Long-term hidden dangers: Criminals may move to other areas such as Laos and Cambodia.
Finally, this is a war without smoke
Thailand's "three cuts" action has unveiled just the tip of the iceberg of the cross-border telecom fraud industry chain. This battle against crime is not only the responsibility of the government but also requires public vigilance and international cooperation to form a joint force. As an anti-fraud police officer said: "Every rumor that is not forwarded, every scam call that is hung up, is a vote for justice."
