The Thai government has taken decisive action by ordering the Provincial Electricity Authority to cut electricity supply to Shwe Kokko, a town in Myanmar just across the Thai border. This move aims to disrupt illicit online scam operations in the area, which have forced thousands of individuals from Thailand and China into running fraudulent schemes targeting victims globally. The decision comes on the eve of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's scheduled four-day visit to Beijing, where she is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The crackdown follows a visit by Liu Zhongyi, China's vice minister for public security, who met with Thai police officials last week. During his visit, Liu Zhongyi urged Thailand to cut off both electricity and telecom services to scam compounds located in Shwe Kokko and KK Park, another town along the Thai-Myanmar border. These scam centers have drawn Beijing's ire, as they exploit Thailand's electricity grid and phone services to launch their operations.
The Thai government's intervention seeks to address the growing concern over online scams emanating from these regions. By cutting off power to Shwe Kokko, authorities aim to dismantle the infrastructure supporting these illegal activities. The move underscores the seriousness with which Thailand is addressing cross-border criminal activities and the exploitation of its resources.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping is expected to further discuss this pressing issue. The timing of the power cut signifies Thailand's commitment to curbing transnational cybercrime, a topic that holds significant importance for both nations. China's dissatisfaction with the ongoing scams has been palpable, and it is likely to be a focal point during the talks in Beijing.
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