Naypyitaw – Thailand’s army chief has met Myanmar’s junta leaders just as Washington intensified criticism of the country’s role in hosting online scam centres. General Ukris Boontanondha held talks on Wednesday with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, joined by deputy chief Soe Win, newly appointed army chief Ye Win Oo, and Chief of General Staff Kyaw Swar Lin. According to junta media, discussions covered border stability, narcotics trafficking, illegal trade, haze pollution, and cooperation against scam‑centre networks – an issue now under sharp US focus. At the same time in Washington, FBI Director Kash Patel told the Senate Intelligence Committee that large scam compounds, some allegedly backed by China’s Communist Party, were operating along the Thai border in Cambodia and Myanmar. He vowed the US would “shut down every single scam‑centre compound,” stressing their impact on American citizens. The FBI’s Bangkok office has already coordinated with Thai police, releasing images of agents monitoring scam sites across the border. Beyond security, the Thai and Myanmar military leaders also exchanged views on political developments. Thailand’s parliament recently re‑elected Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, while Myanmar’s military‑dominated parliament is expected to select Min Aung Hlaing as president next week. Analysts say succession within the junta is being closely watched, with Ye Win Oo seen as a rising contender for commander‑in‑chief. Observers noted unusual dynamics at the meeting, including Kyaw Swar Lin hosting Ukris separately for lunch, fuelling speculation about shifting alliances within the junta’s senior ranks. Thailand has stepped up engagement with Myanmar in recent weeks. On 25 February, Thai Air Force chief Sakesan Kantha met Min Aung Hlaing and Ye Win Oo in Naypyitaw. The Thai ambassador, a senior army general, and the foreign minister have also held talks with junta officials. Bangkok’s diplomacy reflects both regional security concerns and economic interests. Thailand, Myanmar and China are coordinating operations against scam‑centre networks, while Bangkok is eager to reopen border gates near Myawaddy – closed for months due to clashes – to resume trade worth billions of baht. -2026-03-20
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