Cyber Police Cut Illegal Internet Links to Myanmar

Pictures courtesy of InsideThailand

Cyber police, working jointly with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), have cut illegal cross-border internet connections along the Thai–Myanmar border in Tak province, disrupting suspected support networks for scam operations in Myanmar. The operation targeted unauthorised fibre-optic cables transmitting internet signals from Thailand into Myawaddy district, directly opposite the town of Shwe Kokko, an area long linked to call centre gangs and online gambling. Officials said the immediate impact was the termination of illicit connectivity used by criminal groups operating across the border.

The action followed an investigation by officers from Sub-Division 2 of Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Region 4, who detected abnormal internet signal usage at two border locations. These were identified in Waley subdistrict, Phop Phra district, and Mae Kasa subdistrict, Mae Sot district, both in Tak province. After gathering evidence, police sought and obtained search warrants from the Mae Sot Provincial Court to enter and inspect the targeted areas.

The operation was led by Pol Lt Col Weerapol Kanthuang and Pol Lt Col Anek Thinnakhon, both deputy superintendents of Sub-Division 2, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Region 4. They were joined by Pol Maj Jiratt Chanyen and Pol Maj Suwan Thitla, along with cyber police officers and NBTC officials. Search warrants numbered 1/2569 and Kor 2/2569, issued by the Mae Sot Provincial Court, were executed at both sites.

During the searches, officers discovered illegally laid cables crossing the border to provide internet services to locations inside Myanmar. At the first site, cables were found running directly opposite Shwe Kokko, prompting officials to immediately cut the connections. At the second site in Mae Kasa subdistrict, officers seized one 30-metre roll of fibre-optic cable and one optic enclosure as evidence.

Authorities said the seized equipment will be used in legal proceedings, while efforts are under way to identify and arrest those responsible for the illegal installations. The operation forms part of Thailand’s broader campaign to dismantle technology-enabled crime networks, particularly call centre scams and online gambling operations that rely on Thai infrastructure. Officials stressed that preventing criminals based in neighbouring countries from using Thai internet services is critical to protecting Thai citizens from fraud.

Police and NBTC representatives said enforcement will be intensified along the border in the coming period. Increased inspections and monitoring are planned to prevent further illegal signal transmissions and to strengthen measures against cross-border cybercrime. The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation to curb technology-related offences.

Key Takeaways

• Thai cyber police and the NBTC cut illegal internet cables along the Tak–Myanmar border.

• Two locations were searched under Mae Sot Provincial Court warrants issued in 2569.

• Authorities aim to disrupt call centre and online gambling networks using Thai signals.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from InsideThailand 2026-01-11