The Thai government has launched the “Three Cut” operation, a strategic move aimed at combating telecom fraud along the Thai-Myanmar border. This initiative involves cutting electricity, internet, and fuel supply to five key areas, including Myawaddy and Tachileik, notorious hubs for fraudulent activities. The operation remains ongoing as authorities assess its impact and explore further measures.
Government Action: Power, Internet, and Fuel Shutdown
At 9 a.m. on February 5, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin officiated the power cutoff ceremony at the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) headquarters in Bangkok. With the push of a button, power supply to Myanmar was reduced to zero amperes, targeting fraud hotspots across Mon State, Shan State, and Karen State.
In an emergency meeting on February 4, the Thai National Security Council deliberated for over two hours before Defense Minister Puttan announced the comprehensive shutdown. Given the severe threat posed by telecom fraud to national security and the public interest, the government initiated the coordinated effort to dismantle illicit networks.
Inside the Scam Parks: A Glimpse into Desperation
In Myawaddy, Wu Cong, a 28-year-old victim of forced labor in a scam park, awaited the effects of the crackdown. Having been lured by a fraudulent job offer and transported against his will, Wu found himself trapped in a heavily guarded facility. His role in the park involved recruiting new victims through fake job advertisements on platforms like Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Kuaishou.
Initial reports from inside the scam park indicated little immediate impact. However, by February 6, Wu noticed power disruptions. Over the next few days, intermittent blackouts affected dormitories and office buildings, while backup generators kept operations running. Wu observed a noticeable change: luxury hotels and high-value scam centers, which previously never experienced power outages, were now struggling with energy shortages.
Limited Effectiveness: Fraud Networks Adapt
Despite power cuts, the internet remained largely operational. In some areas, temporary internet outages were circumvented by distributing data SIM cards to maintain fraud activities. The presence of backup generators, fuel reserves, and Starlink satellite internet ensured scam operations continued, albeit with some inconvenience.
Myanmar’s reliance on Thailand for electricity and internet has been longstanding. While Thailand previously cut power to scam parks in June 2023, those operations quickly adapted with alternative energy sources. Experts note that cutting fuel supplies could be more effective, but many fraud centers had stockpiled reserves in anticipation of the crackdown.
Unintended Consequences: Civilian Hardship
While the fraud networks demonstrated resilience, civilians bore the brunt of the “Three Cut” operation. Businesses and residents in Myawaddy faced severe power shortages, leading to panic buying of fuel. Hospitals, including Myawaddy’s largest medical facility, struggled to operate due to failing medical equipment and dwindling oxygen supplies. The hospital issued an urgent appeal to Thailand for assistance.
How Long Will the Operation Last?
The financial implications of the shutdown are significant. Thailand stands to lose approximately 50 million baht ($1.4 million) per month in electricity revenue, totaling 6 billion baht ($170 million) annually. Given these economic stakes, experts predict the shutdown may not be sustained indefinitely.
International Repercussions and Anti-Corruption Efforts
The “Three Cut” operation follows heightened international scrutiny, particularly after the “Wang Xing Incident,” where a Chinese actor was lured into a scam park. His girlfriend’s public plea triggered intervention from the Chinese Embassy and Thai authorities, prompting broader efforts to combat telecom fraud. The incident has also negatively impacted Thailand’s tourism sector, with the Thai tourism association predicting a 10-20% decline in Chinese visitors during the Spring Festival holiday.
Additionally, Thai authorities have launched an anti-corruption campaign targeting officials complicit in border fraud operations. Two major generals have already been removed from their posts for alleged connections to these syndicates. However, deep-rooted bribery within law enforcement remains a persistent challenge.
The Future of Telecom Fraud Crackdowns
Experts caution that completely eradicating telecom fraud is unlikely, as operations may relocate to other regions, including deeper into Myanmar, Cambodia, and even Dubai. For now, individuals like Wu Cong remain trapped, monitoring the evolving situation and hoping for a path to freedom.
As Thailand continues to confront these challenges, the world watches to see if the “Three Cut” strategy can truly dismantle the fraud networks or merely force them to evolve once again.
