Thailand has halted electricity supplies to five locations in Myanmar to combat a surge in online scam operations targeting Chinese citizens. The move, authorized by the National Security Council, aims to disrupt the operations of criminal gangs running these scam centers in Myanmar's border regions. Thailand earns approximately 50 million baht ($1.5 million) monthly from electricity sales to these locations. The decision follows concerns from China about the growing number of scam centers and their impact on Chinese tourists.
BANGKOK — Thailand cut cross-border electricity supplies to several areas in Myanmar on Wednesday, in an effort to stamp out online scam centers blamed for scaring away Chinese tourists.Scam compounds have mushroomed in Myanmar 's lawless borderlands, run by criminal gangs and staffed by foreigners who were trafficked and forced to work swindling their compatriots in an industry analysts say is worth billions of dollars.
Anutin said electricity sales to Myanmar at these locations earned Thailand around 50 million baht a month.'The electricity supply is not being stopped because the companies violated the contract, but because the electricity is being misused for scams, drugs and call centers,' Anutin said.'No one can accuse Thailand now of being part of supporting illegal businesses.
MYANMAR THAILAND SCAM CENTERS CHINA TOURISM
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