As Thailand cuts off electricity supply to Myanmar, stops oil exports, and shuts down the internet signal to Myanmar from 9 AM on February 5th, large-scale telecom fraud activities in the Myanmar border area have been severely hit.
Thailand has cut off power to Myanmar’s border regions, significantly disrupting online gambling and scam operations in Daqili. The energy shortage forced criminal groups to lay off over 100 employees, many of them Chinese nationals.
Dimmed Casinos and Arrests Surge
With limited electricity, many casinos and hotels have reduced lighting, making Daqili noticeably darker at night. Although Daqili attempted to buy emergency power from Laos, the supply dropped from 30 to 13 megawatts, deepening the crisis.
From February 6–8, Myanmar police and security forces launched raids on large illegal casinos along the Mekong River, arresting numerous operators and workers. Nearby towns also cracked down on hidden scam dens, capturing dozens of suspects.
Fuel Shortages Halt Scams
Due to limited fuel, many generators have stopped working. Without electricity, scam centers cannot power computers or communication systems, causing a sharp decline in activity.
Several crime groups have laid off staff. Many former employees, including Thai nationals, have returned to Mae Sai County in Chiang Rai Province to seek other opportunities.
Thai Border Security Tightens
Though Myanmar scam bases have been hit hard, criminal groups may try to rebuild in Thailand. In response, Thai police have increased border enforcement in key areas like Mae Sot and Sajiao to stop relocation efforts.
Regional Cooperation Intensifies
Thailand is now working closely with Myanmar, Laos, and other neighboring countries to target cross-border crime and preserve regional security.
