Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar's Border Town Casinos Amid Organized Crime Concerns

Thai authorities have announced the termination of electricity supply to two border towns in Myanmar that harbor well-known casino complexes, reportedly involved in significant organized crime activities. These towns, Shwe Kokko and Lay Kay Kaw, have become sites for gambling and entertainment facilities developed by Chinese investors, which have raised concerns regarding the exploitation of individuals from foreign nations who are coerced into jobs and subjected to virtual captivity, working in call centers that engage in internet scams. Additionally, there have been allegations of drug and human trafficking activities taking place within these complexes.

Power Disconnection and Operational Continuity:

The Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand ceased supplying power to the complexes located in Myawaddy township, Kayin state, at midnight on Monday, according to Montsak Kaew-orn, a police chief in Thailand's neighboring Mae Sot district. Remarkably, despite the power cutoff, businesses in the affected towns appeared unaffected as the complex owners had prepared for such an eventuality and are believed to be relying on their own generators to sustain operations in the coming weeks.

Reasons and Potential Renewal:

Thai Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda, addressing reporters in Bangkok, explained that the power supply to the two towns was discontinued due to the expiration of the supply contract, and Myanmar's government opted not to extend it. Minister Paochinda further added that Thailand is prepared to resume the power supply should Myanmar choose to renew the agreement.

Myanmar's Stance and Collaboration Efforts:

The military government of Myanmar has not provided a public explanation regarding its position on this matter. However, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported that Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, held discussions on May 31 with Home Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Soe Htut and senior police officers, addressing regional issues such as online fraud, gambling along the Myanmar-China and Myanmar-Thailand borders, and the strengthening of cooperation in combating transnational crimes.

Operational Autonomy and Border Control:

These casino complexes operate within autonomous development zones, primarily controlled by Chinese investors in collaboration with the Border Guard Force, a militia representing the local ethnic Karen minority. The lack of centralized government authority in Myanmar's border regions contributes to the prevalence of lawlessness, particularly in drug trafficking activities. Various armed groups, including the Karen, seek political autonomy, but some factions opt to collaborate with criminal organizations instead of engaging in conflict with the government. The government tolerates this approach as a means of maintaining the support of these militias.

Status of Power Supply and Negotiations:

Thai public broadcaster Thai PBS reported a brief interruption in the power supply at Shwe Kokko, lasting approximately 30 seconds, before being restored to its main buildings. However, the surrounding areas remained in darkness. KK Park, a casino complex connected to cyber scams and forced labor involving escapees from China, Malaysia, and other countries, appeared to be unaffected by any power outage. Police Chief Montsak confirmed ongoing negotiations between the Karen Border Guard Force and the Myanmar government regarding the renewal of the power contract. He warned that if the negotiations do not yield a fruitful outcome, noticeable impacts may be observed within one or two weeks.

Thailand's decision to halt the electricity supply to the notorious casino complexes in Myanmar's border towns reflects efforts to address concerns of organized crime, human exploitation, and illicit activities associated with these establishments. The complex owners' ability to sustain operations through alternative means highlights the challenges faced in curbing such activities effectively. Ongoing negotiations between relevant parties will determine the future course of action, including the potential renewal of the power supply agreement, which may have implications for regional stability, border control, and transnational crime prevention.