MYAWADDY — The once-thriving economic zone of Shwe Kokko in Myanmar’s Karen State now stands largely deserted following an intensive anti-scam operation by Thai authorities and the Border Guard Force (BGF), Matichon reports.
Spanning tens of thousands of rai opposite Thailand’s Mae Sot District in Tak Province, the area that previously bustled with activity has fallen silent, with numerous high-rise buildings now vacant and vehicles abandoned.
The dramatic transformation follows coordinated efforts between Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar governments to eliminate fraud networks operating in the region. Thailand has started cutting essential services including electricity, fuel, and communication signals since February 5.
Following that, BGF officials launched their campaign against call center operations on February 12, resulting in a mass exodus of business owners and executives connected to fraudulent activities, though legitimate businesses reportedly continue to operate.
At a March 12 press conference, Lt. Col. Nai Maung So of the Coordination Center for Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking revealed that over 2,700 individuals have been repatriated to their home countries, with approximately 7,000 still awaiting return. The BGF is currently providing daily food support at 25,000 kyat ($11.90) per person and seeks to expedite the repatriation process despite coordination challenges with foreign governments.
“The raids will continue, possibly once a month, until all fraud operations are eliminated,” Lt. Col. Nai Maung So stated, warning that Chinese investors face severe penalties for any ongoing involvement in call center activities.
Officials emphasized that legitimate development projects under the Yatai initiative will proceed, including livestock farming, healthcare facilities, and tourism attractions aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.
During the press conference, Lt. Col. Nai Maung So defended Col. Maung Chit Tu, Secretary-General of the BGF Advisory Committee, describing him as simply a landowner who leases property to Chinese investors with no involvement in trafficking or fraud.
However, this statement comes as Thai authorities have placed Col. Maung Chit Tu under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for a 2022 case involving eight Indian nationals and potential human trafficking charges.
The press conference concluded with journalists touring a detention center for trafficking victims and viewing confiscated fraud operation equipment that will be transferred to Chinese authorities.
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