Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Cyber police have raided three commercial buildings in Mae Sot, Tak province, after detecting abnormally high internet usage suspected of supplying unauthorised signals across the border into Myawaddy, Myanmar. The operation took place on 30 January 2026 near the First Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge, a sensitive border area frequently monitored for transnational crime.

Officers executed search warrants at three neighbouring shophouses in Ban Rim Moei, Moo 2, Tha Sai Luat subdistrict, Mae Sot district. Inside the buildings, police discovered multiple routers installed on ground floors and point-to-point transmission antennas on upper levels, with signal directions aimed towards Myawaddy. Authorities also observed corresponding receiving antennas on buildings across the border in Myanmar.

The operation was led by Pol Lt Gen Surapol Prembutr, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, alongside Pol Maj Gen Wiwat Khamchamnarn, Pol Maj Gen Kritchaya Bamrung­rattanayot, and senior officers from CCIB Sub-Division 4. The raid was conducted in coordination with local administrators, Ratchamanu Task Force soldiers, private internet service providers, and other relevant agencies.

In one nearby building, officers found no occupants and were unable to contact the owner, prompting them to cut the lock in the presence of the village headman and witnesses. Inside, two routers were found still plugged in and operational, while the walls showed numerous marks and nails indicating recently removed equipment. Loose wiring and mounting hardware suggested the site had been dismantled shortly before the inspection.

Police said tenants later told investigators they had allowed an acquaintance to install the equipment, claiming it provided free internet access to both the Thai side and across to Myawaddy. Investigators are now examining whether the network was linked to scam call centres or online gambling operations operating in Myanmar, both of which have previously relied on cross-border internet connections.

According to Pol Col Anucha Srisamrong, the search followed intelligence from a private internet provider that flagged unusually heavy data usage at the properties. He said evidence seized during the raid would be used to expand the investigation and pursue legal action against those involved. Authorities noted that while reports of call centre scams targeting Thai citizens have declined, enforcement efforts will continue.

Matichon reported that further forensic analysis of the seized equipment is under way and police are working to identify all individuals connected to the installations. Officials have also urged the public to report suspicious internet use or infrastructure in border areas as part of ongoing efforts to combat transnational cybercrime.

Key Takeaways

• Thai cyber police raided three Mae Sot shophouses on 30 January 2026 over suspected illegal internet links to Myanmar.

• Investigators found routers and point-to-point antennas aimed at Myawaddy, with signs of recently removed equipment.

• Authorities are probing possible links to scam call centres or online gambling networks and expanding the investigation.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-01-31

 

 

19 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

intelligence from a private internet provider that flagged unusually heavy data usage at the properties

Not very private..it would seem.