Thailand has suspended electricity supply to five areas along its border with Myanmar in a bold move to crack down on illegal activities. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Wednesday that the power cut aims to disrupt operations linked to human trafficking, online scams, and transnational crimes.
The decision came after Thailand’s National Security Council identified that these areas in three Myanmar states were using electricity inconsistently with existing agreements, posing threats to the peace and security of the kingdom.
“This measure is intended to prevent and address issues related to illegal activities in these regions,” Anutin said at a press conference. “By cutting off the power supply, we aim to disrupt operations that may be exploiting electricity for unlawful purposes and impacting people in many countries.”
The affected border areas have been under scrutiny for facilitating call center scams, money laundering, and other illicit activities that often target victims beyond Thailand’s borders. Authorities believe that disrupting the power supply will significantly hinder these illegal operations.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the rise of such crimes in border regions, emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation between neighboring countries to effectively combat these issues.
The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security and working with international partners to address the root causes of transnational crimes. The suspension of power is seen as a decisive step towards enhancing regional stability and protecting citizens from illegal activities.
