Thai Government Considers Border Ban to Combat Call-Scam Gangs

Picture courtesy of Assawin Pinitwong

The Thai government is contemplating stricter measures against Myanmar-based call-scam gangs, including potentially banning suspected accomplices from border areas and halting exports of solar panels to Myanmar, according to senior officials. This step follows ongoing discussions to intensify efforts in tackling the issue.

Secretary General Chatchai Bangchuad of the National Security Council stated that while current anti-scam efforts will persist, further strategies are on the table if deemed necessary. Proposed by the Commerce Ministry, these additional measures could involve restrictions on solar panel exports to prevent gangs from utilizing alternative power sources.

Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced plans to limit border access for individuals suspected of gang affiliations, specifically targeting crossings from Thailand into Myanmar's Myawaddy region. Intelligence indicates that hundreds of call-scam gangs are operating near the Thai borders, prompting the government to actively repatriate Thai citizens coerced into these networks.

Additionally, the cutting of internet services to Myanmar's border areas had a noticeable impact on gang operations, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong of the Digital Economy and Society. Efforts to thwart gang access to satellite internet services, such as Starlink, have also been initiated. Prasert mentioned the seizure of smuggled Starlink dishes in Thailand and adjustments made to local internet signals, alongside the severance of illegal internet cables feeding neighbouring regions.

This crackdown follows the Thai government's recent power, oil, and internet supply cuts to key Myanmar regions amid cooperation with Chinese security officials. The actions target predominantly Chinese gangs involved in large-scale scams affecting both Chinese and Thai nationals, who are often lured into exploitative conditions. With electricity still running in gang locations despite broader power cuts, the proposal to restrict solar panel exports remains under serious consideration, reported The Thaiger.