The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens from cross-border call-centre scams, dismissing protests calling for a boycott of Thai goods following the recent disconnection of power, fuel, and internet services to five border areas in Myanmar where these criminal networks operate.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated on Monday that public demonstrations would not influence the government's crackdown efforts in Myanmar’s border regions, specifically in Tachileik, Myawaddy, and Payathonzu. He emphasized that these measures are crucial for national security and crime prevention.

Firm action against Scam Centers
“They [the scammers] should think carefully because they depend on consumer goods from Thailand. Without that food, they would have to take care of themselves,” Phumtham said, highlighting the economic reliance of these groups on Thai supplies.
Despite concerns raised by activists, the minister reiterated that the government's top priority is the well-being of Thai citizens. He also suggested that power and fuel cuts could be extended to other border areas found to be facilitating scam operations.
Reports indicate that while affected communities are struggling without electricity, scam centres and entertainment venues in these areas remain operational using private generators.
In addition to these measures, Thai authorities are tightening security along the border to prevent the smuggling of fuel and solar panels into Myanmar. Phumtham is scheduled to visit Payathonzu on Wednesday and Poipet on Sunday to assess the situation firsthand before making further decisions.
Crackdown on Cross-Border Scams

National Telecom (NT) president Col Sanphachai Huvanandana confirmed that the company had cut international communication signals to the five affected border regions on Friday. Further measures could be implemented pending directives from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA).
Meanwhile, Thai police have intensified their crackdown on scam networks operating along the Thai-Cambodian border. Pol Lt Gen Yingyos Thepchamnong, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, reported that investigations confirmed that criminal groups in Poipet have been using Thai phone and internet networks to defraud victims.
Authorities have been targeting SIM boxes installed across the border, which enable scam operations by making internet-based calls appear as though they originate from within Thailand. The crackdown, launched in January, aims to dismantle these operations and curb human trafficking linked to these illegal businesses.

Regional Efforts to Combat Crime

In a related development, the Myanmar military conducted raids between Wednesday and Friday last week on illegal online gambling hubs in Lashio, northern Shan State. More than 80 individuals of various nationalities, including Vietnamese, Chinese, and Myanmar citizens, were arrested.
Authorities confiscated significant amounts of equipment, including 260 mobile phones, 120 computers, seven Starlink Wi-Fi devices, power generators, and numerous vehicles. These raids are part of Myanmar’s broader efforts to combat transnational criminal networks operating within its borders.
As Thailand and its neighboring countries continue their coordinated efforts against cross-border crime, the Thai government remains resolute in its measures to safeguard its citizens, despite external pressures and protests.
 

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