BANGKOK — The Thai government has set a six-month timeframe for its power cut measure along the Thai-Myanmar border, part of its crackdown on scam networks and drug-related crime. Officials will assess the situation’s progress during the first quarter, stating that Myanmar needs to act quickly if it wants to improve conditions.
Denies Checkpoint Closure Reports
On February 7, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied reports that the Myanmar government had ordered the closure of the Tachileik checkpoint, opposite Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province, in retaliation to Thailand’s power cut. He explained that such a closure would be counterproductive, effectively forcing Myanmar to impose hardship on itself. The Thai government confirmed prior consultation with Myanmar regarding the power cut.
Security agency sources clarified that rumors about the checkpoint closure originated from the Tachileik Immigration checkpoint’s inability to process passports due to power loss. However, they noted that any official checkpoint closure would require formal notification from Myanmar to Thai authorities, which had not occurred.
5 Areas Affected by Power Cut
The measure, which began on February 5, affects five key sites: Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong in Kanchanaburi province, which borders Payathonzu in Mon state; two towns in Chiang Rai province, which are connected to Tachileik in Shan state; and Mae Sot district in Tak province, which borders Myawaddy.
While the Defense Minister acknowledged some economic impact, he emphasized that combating crime was a priority given the national security threat. The delayed response was attributed to international relations and humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding hospitals in affected areas.
The implementation involved coordination across multiple agencies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Myanmar government, while the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) notified contractors. The National Security Council, which categorized the matter as a national security threat, has made humanitarian preparations to accommodate emergency patients from Myawaddy in Mae Sot hospitals.
Internet disruptions in these areas, ongoing since 2023 but inconsistent, will be fully addressed by month’s end through coordination with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Essential services will be adjusted based on local conditions.
Industry Leaders Support Government Action
Kriangkrai Thiannukul, chairman of the Confederation of Thai Industries and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, acknowledged potential minor industrial impacts but supported the measure. “Many countries are watching Thailand very closely at the moment. The government’s decisive action sends a strong signal that we will not tolerate illegal business and fraudulent activities. This move should help to mitigate the problem and show that laws and principles must be upheld. It will also boost the confidence of domestic and international investors,” he said.
Criminal Activities in Payathonzu
Security agencies report that Chinese crime syndicates have established businesses in Payathonzu, Mon State, including entertainment complexes, casinos, and fraudulent call centers. Approximately five to six such establishments are located about 100 meters from Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong, with an estimated 30,000 Chinese nationals conducting business in Payathonzu, a number that continues to grow.
In response to these measures, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) issued a statement on February 5 pledging cooperation with Thai authorities and the international community in combating human trafficking and abuse. The group committed to locating and repatriating trafficking victims at the request of Myanmar embassies or other diplomatic missions, and promised action against drug-related activities in areas under their control.
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