As Thailand implements measures to cut off electricity and internet to the telecommunication fraud parks along the Myanmar border, tensions escalate further. Su Chi Du (pseudonym) and his led Karen ethnic armed forces in the border area have been severely impacted by these crackdowns on telecommunication fraud, prompting them to take a series of actions in retaliation against Thailand's moves.
1. Public Protests and Media Pressure
Following the power and internet cutoff by Thailand, supporters led by Su Chi Du began gathering at the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and the Second Bridge, attempting to create media pressure and push the Thai government through civilian power. Organizers called for the Myanmar government to act by closing the transit passages at the Thai-Myanmar border to prevent further crackdowns on telecommunication fraud through demonstrations and marches.
2. Seeking Alternative Resources to Ensure Operations
Before the internet and power were cut off by Thailand, the fraud parks in Myawaddy had already purchased large diesel generators and Starlink network equipment. Even after the Thai cutoff, these parks continued their operations in telecommunication fraud and other criminal activities through generators and Starlink technology, demonstrating their resilience and pressure resistance.
3. Border Closure Threats
Su Chi Du and his supporters not only organized street protests but also demanded the Myanmar government to block the No.1 and No.2 Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridges at the border with Tak Province, threatening to block all illegal transit passages.
This move aims to force the Thai government to revoke its measures and change its policies through economic and border blockades.
4. Media Manipulation and Threats
Facing Thailand's crackdown, Su Chi Du's spokesperson claimed that their jurisdiction only involved online gambling, with telecommunication fraud being just a part of it, and stated that a special task force had been established to combat telecommunication fraud and had handed over related personnel to the Thai side.
In media interviews, he also expressed his hardships, emphasizing his active efforts in combating human trafficking and assisting in the repatriation of victims at the border. Su Chi Du openly threatened that if Thai authorities dared to arrest people in Myawaddy, he would take decisive retaliatory measures.
Analysis: The Reasons Behind Su Chi Du's Boldness
1. Profit-driven
Su Chi Du profits significantly by providing shelter for illegal activities such as telecommunication fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking in the Myawaddy area, extracting high protection fees. These economic benefits provide him with sufficient resources to counteract Thailand's crackdown.
2. Armed Force Support
Su Chi Du's Karen ethnic armed forces (Karen Border Army) have more than 7,000 troops, providing him with solid military support in the Myawaddy area. This force enables him to effectively resist the intervention and suppression by the Thai government, creating a local stronghold.
3. Geopolitical Factors
Located at the Thai-Myanmar border, Myawaddy has a unique geographical position. Su Chi Du is aware that Thailand might hesitate to act further, fearing it could trigger a larger-scale border conflict or regional instability. This consideration emboldens him to challenge the Thai government's decisions.
4. External Support Speculation
Thai media speculate that Su Chi Du's confrontational actions might be supported by high-ranking officials in the Myanmar military. This support could be based on the Myanmar government's strategic considerations of the regional situation, especially in countering Thailand's crackdown. Such support provides Su Chi Du with additional political and resource security.
As the situation continues to heat up, the tense atmosphere at the Thai-Myanmar border may escalate further. The responses of the local armed forces and telecommunication fraud parks represented by Su Chi Du could profoundly affect the diplomatic and security situations of both countries. Whether the Thai government will continue to intensify its crackdown and whether Myanmar will strengthen its support for Su Chi Du and his organization will be key issues to watch.
