Anutin Awaits Orders for Power Shutdown to Myanmar Townships by PEA

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Amid rising regional tensions, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has stated that he is prepared to cease the supply of power to certain Myanmar townships, contingent on receiving directives from national security bodies.

 

This potential move targets the townships of Tachileik and Myawaddy, located across from Thailand's Mae Sai in Chiang Rai and Mae Sot in Tak, respectively.

 

Currently, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), under the supervision of the Interior Ministry, provides electricity to these areas. Anutin clarified that such an action would only proceed following an official request from agencies responsible for national security.

 

This hints at organisations possibly under the Ministry of Defence or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as being pivotal in this decision-making process.

 

The tension arises from concerns that these power supplies may be exploited by transnational criminal networks, including call-centre scams and drug trafficking operations, taking refuge in these border regions. While these operations are well-publicised, Anutin was quick to emphasise the humanitarian considerations involved.

These townships house educational facilities, healthcare units, and residential populations alongside illicit activities. Thus, any decision to halt power delivery must weigh humanitarian needs against security imperatives.

 

Thailand's relationship with Myanmar is complex and nuanced, involving trade and security agreements which facilitate the daily power supply across borders. These arrangements, forged amidst Myanmar's ongoing internal conflicts, are now being scrutinised under the lens of security concerns.

 

The backdrop to Anutin's current position is a tapestry of cross-border issues, marked by political upheaval and conflict within Myanmar, particularly areas controlled by ethnic rebel groups.

 

The escalating activities of such elements, often operating in the shadows, complicate the situation, necessitating a coordinated response from Thailand's defence and foreign policy sectors.

 

Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, aware of the delicate balance Thailand must maintain between aiding its neighbour and safeguarding its own national security interests. This unfolding situation poses significant geopolitical challenges, not only to the immediate stakeholders but also to broader Southeast Asian stability, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Anutin's statement reflects Thailand's cautious and calculated approach to managing its cross-border dynamics, demonstrating the country's ongoing commitment to regional security inextricably linked with humanitarian responsibilities. As events progress, critical decisions made in Bangkok will have far-reaching implications for the Thai-Myanmar relationship and beyond.

 

-- 2025-01-30

 

 

[flyingtlger]

15 minutes ago, webfact said:

The tension arises from concerns that these power supplies may be exploited by transnational criminal networks, including call-centre scams and drug trafficking operations, taking refuge in these border regions.

Thailand needs to coordinate with Myanmar and send in their version of the Seal Teams or Delta Forces and wipe out the call-scam centers and drug trafficing operations....

[kimothai]

7 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

Thailand needs to coordinate with Myanmar and send in their version of the Seal Teams or Delta Forces and wipe out the call-scam centers and drug trafficing operations....

Maybe just declare them a terrorist organization(s) and send in the military.

[MikeandDow]

7 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

Thailand needs to coordinate with Myanmar and send in their version of the Seal Teams or Delta Forces and wipe out the call-scam centers and drug trafficing operations....

 

[Classic Ray]

It’s all about the money. The PEA would lose revenue, the officials in both countries would lose commissions from the call centre and casino operators, and the cross border smuggling of goods and people. 

[hotchilli]

17 minutes ago, Classic Ray said:

It’s all about the money. The PEA would lose revenue, the officials in both countries would lose commissions from the call centre and casino operators, and the cross border smuggling of goods and people. 

Double edged sword...

[lordgrinz]

I bet that headline doesn't make him too happy, he is as much a power hungry person as Thaksin, this would appear to make him seem inferior (lose face).

 

Quote

Anutin Awaits Orders

 

[topt]

2 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

I bet that headline doesn't make him too happy, he is as much a power hungry person as Thaksin, this would appear to make him seem inferior (lose face).

 

 

To me it reads that he want's to be able to distance himself from the decision (for whatever reason....). Hence 

 

11 hours ago, webfact said:

contingent on receiving directives from national security bodies.

Classic Not my fault guv if it goes ahead.