Thailand Cuts Power to Border Towns to Combat Cross-Border Scams
In a major crackdown on cross-border telecom scams, the Thai government has cut off electricity, internet, and gas supplies to several towns along its border with Myanmar. These areas are known to house numerous scam factories where victims are coerced into running investment and romance scams, generating billions of dollars annually. The move is driven by national security concerns and the significant economic damage caused by these scams. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister personally oversaw the power cuts, citing a clause in the energy supply contract. The recent discovery of a missing Chinese actor in the area highlights the severity of the problem. While Myanmar has also repatriated thousands of forced workers, Thailand's actions demonstrate a strong stance against cybercrime and human trafficking, though the impact on innocent civilians remains unclear.