Key Points:

• Thailand has suspended electricity and internet supplies to several towns in Myanmar to disrupt rampant online scams.
• The crackdown follows a high-profile rescue of a Chinese actor and intense pressure from China.
• The scam operations have trafficked thousands, raising alarm over human rights abuses in the region.

BANGKOK (AP) — In a decisive move to combat online scams, Thailand has cut off electricity and internet access to various areas in Myanmar along its border, notably targeting the infamous scam hub of Myawaddy. This action comes as a response to diplomatic pressure from China and growing public concern over the prevalence of these fraud networks, which force hundreds of thousands into enslaved labor for online scams. The Thai National Security Council approved this resolution, aimed at safeguarding national integrity and curbing the damages incurred by scams, which have reportedly led to losses of around 80 million baht ($2.3 million) daily for Thailand according to AP News.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul highlighted that these regions allegedly misuse electricity and facilitate drug trafficking through their operations. Following this crack down, five towns in Myanmar lost power starting Wednesday morning, a measure he described as essential to fend off opportunists who inflict significant harm on Thai citizens.

The urgency of addressing this issue intensified after the public outcry surrounding the rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was trafficked to a scam operation in Myawaddy after coming to Thailand for a casting call. His ordeal drew international attention and led to an increase in scrutiny directed at Thailand's role as a transit hub for scam operations, leading to cancellations of tourism bookings from Chinese travelers as reported by CNN.

Thai officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, have vowed to address the alarming growth of these scam networks, many of which thrive under the chaotic circumstances spawned by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. Law enforcement has been urged to enhance border controls to prevent slips into these scam centers, which often masquerade as economic zones while exerting control over their workers through violent means.

The cutting of power and internet access is part of a broader strategy under Thailand’s new legislative measures to clamp down on scams, a shift that also involves close cooperation with Chinese officials. A meeting between Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chinese representatives aims to fortify countermeasures against these transnational crimes according to SCMP.

Despite these efforts, skepticism remains regarding their efficacy. Many of these criminal syndicates are well-armed and capable of switching to alternative power sources, such as generators. Reports suggest that operations in locations like Shwe Kokko may continue undeterred due to significant cash flows that enable them to sidestep local authorities. Concerns linger about how thoroughly these reforms can disrupt long-standing operations entrenched in this chaotic region.

In conjunction with these measures, local and international NGOs have called for increased action to assist the numerous individuals trapped in these scam environments, as efforts to rescue them remain hampered by issues of jurisdiction and control between the nations involved as noted by CNN.

The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as Thailand navigates its regional relationships while responding to the cries for justice from victims of these heinous scams.