Anutin Highlights China's Praise for Thailand’s Scam Crackdown

[webfact]

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul shuts down electricity supplies to five locations in Thailand-Myanmar border at the Provincial Electricity Authority headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Provincial Electricity Authority via AP)

 

China has praised Thailand for cutting electricity to disrupt scam centres in Myanmar, according to Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. This support follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's recent official visit to China, where allied efforts to tackle crime were a focal point.

 

Returning from a diplomatic mission to China, Ms Paetongtarn met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, among other officials, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. The Chinese government commended Thailand's decisive action against scam centres by severing electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five areas notorious for fraud activities along the Thai-Myanmar border.

 

The Thai government's move, seen as a significant step in safeguarding national security, aims to dismantle operations run by criminal gangs that exploit forced labour to perpetrate fraud. This crackdown was necessitated by the broader implications of these operations, which compromise the security and interests of multiple countries.

 

Despite the Thai government's intentions, the disruption has stirred unrest among Myanmar nationals living near the Thai border. In Tak province, over 100 protesters, mostly from Myawaddy in Kayin State, gathered to voice their discontent with the interruptions to daily life. They aimed to block key trade crossings between Thailand and Myanmar, reflecting the challenges people face due to the fallout from anti-fraud initiatives.

The protests, while a direct response to the economic strain felt by households and small enterprises affected by the power cuts, bring to light the delicate balance between enforcement and humanitarian concerns. As protestors marched to the bridges connecting the nations, Myanmar police ensured the rally remained within Myanmar’s territory.

 

The demonstrators have urged Myanmar officials to broker a resolution with Thai authorities, simultaneously calling for a boycott of Thai products and demanding the closure of key crossings to pressure a restoration of services.

 

In anticipation of escalating issues, the National Security Council has indicated the potential for similar crackdowns in additional regions if criminal activity persists. Thailand's electricity supply extends beyond Myanmar, reaching Laos and Cambodia, where similar actions could be considered if necessary, highlighting the regional scope of these cooperative efforts.

 

Thailand’s initiative seems bolstered by international support, notably from China, reinforcing the need for united efforts in combating cross-border crime. As this situation unfolds, maintaining peace and addressing both the root causes and consequences of these operations will be vital for regional stability, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-10

 

 

[hotsun]

 

 

This is all they need to do to cut the amount of scammers in half

[Aussie999]

Ironic when a lot of scans originate from China.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

China has praised Thailand for cutting electricity to disrupt scam centres in Myanmar, according to Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. This support follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's recent official visit to China, where allied efforts to tackle crime were a focal point

Yeah okay... behind closed doors Xi is probably negotiating a new power supply with the Myanamar Generals or shipping in generators.

[ChrisY1]

An interesting BBC article interview with Johnathon Head about pretend towns and casinos along the Thai/Myanmar border.....housing thousands of scammers and trafficked people....built by Chinese.

Thailand quick to claim policing by taking away power and telecoms.......but most likely a dog and whistle show.

[Tropicalevo]

Good old Anutin, or should I say Big Bad Anutin.

Going for the photo ops and 'sound bites', preparing for the next election.

He may be the only one to oppose Thaksin et al.

[Elvis Presley]

Look at him, sat at the computer, with his band of nodding dogs behind him..

 

I bet he doesn't even know how to turn one on!

 

regards,

Elvis.

[Woke to Sounds]

Damn, just when I was about to get into the scam call centre business.

[trainman34014]

They just love praise don't they but can't take criticism or accept blame for anything !

[natway09]

Up here there is no petrol or diesel available as all been purchased for generators.

Internet scratchy as well

[Sir Maxwell Greene]

Thailand has made an audacious decision to sever power supply in selected districts to combat fraud activity. Against criminal gangs the power cutoff seems necessary but the residents especially ordinary people residing there show understandable frustration. The authorities face a challenging situation when they attempt to protect security while maintaining support for local communities who experience these measures' consequences. The search for an effective solution should safeguard legitimate interests of both sides even though implementing this policy creates difficulties for regular residents in that area.