Friends who pay attention to Southeast Asian news will find that Thailand's actions against cross-border telecom fraud are becoming increasingly tough. Not only has it cut off electricity and network connections to several scam dens in Myanmar, but it has even started to target the border areas of Cambodia.

Currently, three areas in Cambodia have been disconnected from the internet, and Poipet—a major passageway on the Cambodia-Thailand border—might become the next target to be blocked.

Why is the Thai government taking action?

1. Thailand is also severely affected by rampant telecom fraud

Thailand shares borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and other countries, where many scam parks are located. These not only defraud Thai people of their money but also lead many Thais to be deceived and become "scam workers" overseas. These criminal gangs are involved in human trafficking, abuse, and illegal detention, affecting not only economic crimes but also social safety and national image.

2. Pressure from the public and the international community

The issue of telecom fraud affects not only Thailand and Myanmar but also neighboring countries like China. In recent years, China has launched joint strikes against scam parks in Southeast Asia. As a major transit country, Thailand has had to make a stand and take action, or it might be seen as ineffective by the international community.

Moreover, the Thai public has high expectations of the government. If the government is not firm, it will be criticized for condoning crime and harming national interests.

Additionally, the ongoing Wang Xing incident has put considerable international public pressure on the Thai government, forcing it to adopt stricter measures.

Furthermore, with the new government of Petongtan in power, it must demonstrate its determination to govern! Cracking down on telecom fraud is an issue that easily garners public support, and the Thai government uses this to establish a "strong-arm governance" image, which solidifies its support rate.

That's why Petongtan hurried to Beijing to meet with a significant figure, reaching over ten agreements and even discussing the donation of giant pandas.

3. Regional politics and national interests

Thailand has a certain regional influence in Southeast Asia, but in recent years, the situations in Myanmar and Cambodia have exacerbated border crime issues, affecting its national security and economic interests. The Thai government hopes to force Myanmar and Cambodia to take more action against telecom fraud by cutting off electricity, fuel, and networks. At the same time, Thailand is also testing the reactions of these neighboring countries to determine future diplomatic pressure strategies.

4. Avoid becoming a "fraud transit hub"

Thais themselves know that many scam gangs use Thailand's networks, financial systems, and human resources as a "crime transit hub."

(When Wang Xing was rescued and attended a press conference, the Thai police leadership themselves said, "Thailand as a crime transit hub"! They know that too many criminal cases have infiltrated Thailand, many of which are related to Southeast Asia and even international crimes.)

If these criminal chains are not cut off in time, Thailand might be targeted by the international community and even face stricter financial regulations. The government's firm stance is also to avoid being involved in larger international criminal investigations.

PS: Whether the Thai government wants to completely eliminate domestic telecom fraud is unknown!

Anyway, addressing the issue of telecom fraud also benefits the country's tourism industry. As a country highly dependent on tourism, if Thailand does not handle the "safety" issue well, the number of tourists will definitely be affected.

In summary, this tough stance and strong-arm style are necessary, essential, and inevitable!

The Thai government has recently taken extreme measures against scam groups within Myanmar, directly cutting off electricity and networks in five areas.

However, the reaction within Myanmar has been strong, not only with protests erupting but also large groups of affected Myanmar citizens gathering in front of Myawaddy Hospital, heading to the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridges No. 1 and No. 2 to hold protests, and even boycotting Thai products.

Nevertheless, the Thai government remains resolute, believing these measures are necessary because cross-border scams not only endanger the financial safety of Thai citizens but also pose a threat to the entire Southeast Asian region.

On the 10th, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Puthan stated in an interview:

Myanmar should seriously consider its dependence on Thai essentials. The Thai government's policy will not waver due to Myanmar's reaction.

In a word: If you're not happy, so be it. I won't change.

Beyond that, he also dropped a bombshell! He revealed: The Thai government will go to the Phaya Tong Su area in Myanmar by February 12 to assess the situation, and to the Poipet area in Cambodia by February 16, to decide whether to expand the internet shutdown.

Will the internet shutdown expand?

Currently, three areas in Cambodia have been disconnected, including the train station in Aranyaprathet, the signal tower behind Benjawan Market in Pa Rai Town, and the signal tower in the Khok Sa Baeng community in Tha Kham Town. If the Thai government decides to take further action, Poipet, as a densely populated and commercially prosperous border city, is likely to become the next target.

Moreover, Thai Interior Minister Anutin emphasized that the government has started inspections across 51 border counties nationwide, especially taking stricter control over fuel smuggling, trying to cut off the living conditions of scam groups from multiple aspects. Chiang Rai Province has already started to restrict fuel supply to prevent scam groups from maintaining operations through smuggling, and this measure may be extended to more areas in the future.

Rebound and response of scam groups

Despite the Thai government's decisive actions, these cross-border criminal organizations have not sat idly by. According to the Thai military, some scam groups have begun to use solar panels and generators for power and have switched to Starlink satellite networks to evade network blockades. Moreover, as Thailand intensifies its crackdown, some scam dens have moved from Myanmar to Cambodia and Laos, further increasing the difficulty of the crackdown.

What does the future hold?

The Thai government's tough measures have received support from China. The Chinese government highly praises Thailand's actions, believing they help combat the international crime of telecom fraud. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Betongdan also stated that she will soon visit Cambodia to discuss how to strengthen anti-fraud cooperation and promote more effective regional governance solutions.

Additionally, the Thai government has launched a manhunt for Saw Chit Thu, the leader of the scam groups in the Myawaddy area. Members of parliament have even called on the government to issue a warrant for Saw Chit Thu, directly pointing him out as the mastermind behind telecom fraud and human trafficking.

As the Thai government's actions gradually escalate, the situation on the Cambodia-Thailand border is becoming increasingly tense. Will Poipet follow in Myawaddy's footsteps and become the next major target? Will Thailand's measures truly dismantle cross-border scam groups? Everything remains to be seen!