Thailand Cuts Electricity to Myanmar Amid Scam Gang Concerns

Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has taken decisive steps to suspend electricity supply to parts of Myanmar, targeting areas allegedly linked to scam call-centre gangs. The move, announced by Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary and PEA Chairman Ansit Samphantharat on 1 February, reflects growing concerns over cross-border criminal activities exploiting Thai infrastructure to deceive foreign nationals.

Ansit confirmed that the PEA has already halted electricity trade at three locations along the Thai-Myanmar border in recent years, following requests from Myanmar authorities and Thai security agencies. The suspensions include Ban Wang Pha in Mae Ramat district to Ban Kokko in Myawaddy, and Ban Mae Ku Mai Tha Sung to Myawaddy, both in Karen State, in 2023, as well as Chiang Saen district to Pong City in Tachileik in 2024. “As a result, the PEA has now discontinued electricity trade with the neighbouring country at a total of three locations,” he stated during a press briefing in Bangkok.

The latest push to cut power supply stems from reports of scam gangs operating in Myanmar’s border regions, using Thai electricity to run call centres that target victims worldwide with fraudulent schemes. Ansit emphasised that the PEA stands ready to act swiftly upon receiving clear confirmation of affected areas from security agencies. He also called on the public and organisations to report any suspected cases directly to the PEA or the Ministry of Interior, underscoring a collaborative approach to tackling the issue.

A Cross-Border Challenge

The decision to suspend electricity supply is not merely a technical measure but a response to a complex geopolitical and security challenge. Myanmar’s border areas, particularly in Karen State and other regions near Thailand, have long been hotspots for illicit activities, exacerbated by political instability following the 2021 military coup. Armed groups, ethnic militias, and criminal networks often control these territories, creating a governance vacuum that allows scams and other crimes to flourish.

Scam call centres, often referred to as “pig butchering” operations, have become a notorious problem in South-East Asia. These gangs lure victims with promises of romance or investment opportunities, only to defraud them of significant sums. Reports suggest that many of these operations rely on infrastructure—such as electricity and telecommunications—sourced from neighbouring countries like Thailand. By cutting power, Thai authorities aim to disrupt these networks’ ability to function, though the long-term efficacy of such measures remains uncertain.

Thailand’s role as a regional energy provider adds another layer of complexity. The PEA, a state-owned enterprise under the Interior Ministry, has historically supplied electricity to border communities in Myanmar as part of bilateral trade agreements. Discontinuing this supply risks straining diplomatic relations, particularly at a time when Thailand seeks to maintain a delicate balance with Myanmar’s military junta while addressing domestic and international pressure to curb cross-border crime.

Security and Economic Implications

The suspension of electricity supply raises questions about its broader impact on border communities and Thailand’s security strategy. While targeting scam gangs is a priority, legitimate residents and businesses in Myanmar’s affected areas may also suffer from the power cuts. Myawaddy, a key trade hub opposite Thailand’s Mae Sot, relies heavily on cross-border commerce, and disruptions could exacerbate economic hardship for locals already grappling with conflict and displacement.

Analysts suggest that if power cuts are sustained or expanded, they could push criminal networks to seek alternative energy sources, such as generators or illicit connections, potentially deepening their entrenchment. “Cutting electricity is a symbolic and practical step, but it’s not a silver bullet,” said Dr. Narin Chanthawong, a security expert based in Chiang Mai. “These gangs are adaptable. Without coordinated law enforcement and intelligence-sharing across borders, the problem will persist.”

On the Thai side, the move signals a tougher stance on cross-border crime, aligning with broader government efforts to combat human trafficking and online fraud. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has repeatedly highlighted the need to protect Thailand’s reputation as a safe and law-abiding regional hub. The PEA’s readiness to act upon security directives reflects this policy, though it also places the agency in a politically sensitive position, balancing energy trade obligations with national security imperatives.

Regional and International Dimensions

The issue of scam gangs operating from Myanmar has drawn international attention, with countries as far afield as the United States and Australia issuing warnings about fraud originating in the region. In 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that criminal networks in South-East Asia generate billions of dollars annually from online scams, often linked to forced labour and human trafficking. Victims of these schemes are frequently coerced into working for the gangs under brutal conditions, a modern form of slavery that has prompted urgent calls for regional cooperation.

Thailand’s decision to cut electricity could set a precedent for other countries in the region to take similar unilateral actions. However, without a coordinated approach involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) or direct engagement with Myanmar’s authorities—however fragmented they may be—such measures risk being piecemeal. ASEAN’s track record on addressing transnational crime has been mixed, hampered by political divisions and Myanmar’s exclusion from high-level meetings since the coup.

If confirmed, Thailand’s actions may also influence public sentiment in Myanmar, where access to basic services like electricity is already limited in many areas. X posts from users in border regions have expressed frustration over power cuts, with some alleging that ordinary citizens bear the brunt while criminal networks remain unscathed. “No electricity in Myawaddy again. We suffer, not the gangs,” wrote one user under the handle @BorderVoiceMM on 2 February 2025. Such sentiments highlight the delicate balance authorities must strike between security measures and humanitarian considerations.

As Thailand navigates this issue, the PEA’s call for public reporting suggests a desire to crowdsource intelligence on scam operations. While this approach may yield actionable leads, it also risks misinformation or misuse, necessitating robust verification mechanisms. Ansit’s assurance of immediate action upon confirmation from security agencies indicates a structured response, but the opacity of such processes raises questions about accountability and oversight.

Looking ahead, sustainable solutions will likely require more than unilateral power cuts. Joint task forces, enhanced border patrols, and diplomatic engagement with Myanmar’s various power brokers—be they the military junta, ethnic armed organisations, or local administrators—could provide a more comprehensive framework. Additionally, international support, such as funding for cybersecurity initiatives or victim repatriation programmes, could bolster regional efforts to dismantle scam networks.

For now, Thailand’s suspension of electricity supply to Myanmar marks a significant, if symbolic, step in addressing a pervasive regional problem. Whether it translates into tangible results remains to be seen, particularly as criminal networks continue to exploit the porous borders and political fractures of South-East Asia. What is clear, however, is that the stakes extend far beyond a single utility service—they encompass security, diplomacy, and the livelihoods of communities caught in the crossfire.