China Pressures Thailand to Uphold Myanmar Utility Bans

[webfact]

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directs the Provincial Electricity Authority in Bangkok to suspend power supply to five places in Myanmar. Courtesy: Tananchai Keawsowattana  via Radio Free Asia

 

In a strategic move against fraud, China has urged Thailand to maintain its utility restrictions on Myanmar. Since February, Thailand has limited electricity, fuel, and internet access at five Myanmar sites. These measures have been instrumental in curbing illegal call centres that plague the region.

 

The request was communicated by Liu Zhongyi, China's Assistant Minister for Public Security, who put forward a four-point plan during discussions with Thai officials. The plan prioritises continuing the utility restrictions that have yielded positive outcomes against these illicit operations.

 

In the backdrop of these developments, the Burmese government and the Karen Border Guard Force have initiated the transfer of 1,219 individuals, primarily Chinese nationals, to Thailand. This process, initiated on the Myanmar-Thai border, integrates stricter border management to hinder scam operators from fleeing Myanmar.

 

Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, spokesperson for Thailand's Defence Ministry, confirmed that approximately 300 Chinese citizens are prepped for repatriation. With the transfer primarily involving Chinese citizens, chartered flights are set to facilitate their return. To support this complex operation, Chinese officials will collaborate with Thai counterparts to coordinate the identification and repatriation processes.

An additional proposal from Liu promotes deeper trilateral cooperation between China, Thailand, and Myanmar. The focus will be on reinforcing partnerships while adhering to the respective sovereignties and legal frameworks of the nations involved. Recognising the significance of these alliances, future meetings are on the cards, potentially expanding to include other willing nations.

 

China's strategic engagement points to a larger regional effort to dismantle sophisticated fraud networks exploiting international borders. Liu Zhongyi is scheduled to meet Phumtham Wechayachai, Thailand's Defence Minister, to delve deeper into cooperation strategies against such illegal enterprises.

 

Reportedly, 260 individuals transferred to Thailand's Mae Sot last week are already en route back to their countries following thorough vetting through the National Referral Mechanism. Moreover, Myanmar's authorities, in coordination with the Ratchamanu Task Force, have intimated the imminent transfer of over 1,200 people to the Thai border, with exact timelines yet to be determined.

 

This evolving situation highlights the concerted efforts between nations to address cross-border crime and reflects a robust stand against complex transnational fraud activities. For Thailand, balancing diplomatic relations and internal security will be key in navigating this cooperative endeavour, reported Thai PBS.

 

-- 2025-02-19

 

 

[JoePai]

The request    The order

[lordgrinz]

41 minutes ago, webfact said:

In the backdrop of these developments, the Burmese government and the Karen Border Guard Force have initiated the transfer of 1,219 individuals, primarily Chinese nationals, to Thailand. This process, initiated on the Myanmar-Thai border, integrates stricter border management to hinder scam operators from fleeing Myanmar.

 

I'm confused, why would "Chinese nationals" be transferred to Thailand? Myanmar still borders the China, correct? Wouldn't they be transferred back to China?

[Tropicalevo]

26 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I'm confused, why would "Chinese nationals" be transferred to Thailand? Myanmar still borders the China, correct? Wouldn't they be transferred back to China?

Scam capital is right next to the Thai border at Mae Sot.

To get to the Chinese border, the military would have to escort them through territory held by the freedom fighters.

These are the folk that the military are fighting.

[lordgrinz]

6 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Scam capital is right next to the Thai border at Mae Sot.

To get to the Chinese border, the military would have to escort them through territory held by the freedom fighters.

These are the folk that the military are fighting.

 

China also feeds weapons and support to those "freedom fighters", sounds like they need to get tough with their new friends too.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

In the backdrop of these developments, the Burmese government and the Karen Border Guard Force have initiated the transfer of 1,219 individuals, primarily Chinese nationals, to Thailand.

China just keeps giving

[phil2407]

Just send them back to China at their (Chinese gov) cost