Myanmar Spring Chronicle – February 9 Perspective
MoeMaKa, February 10, 2025
Civilians Suffering Due to Crackdown and Blockades
In recent months, China and Thailand have been actively working to crack down on online scam syndicates, known in Chinese as “Jia Pian,” operating along the Thai-Myanmar border. Their operations, along with the Myanmar military council’s response, limited cooperation, and reactions from armed groups that control these territories, have gradually revealed the nature of scam operations in Myawaddy, Karen State, and Three Pagodas Pass in Mon State.
Daily reports, official statements, and responses from organizations have gradually shed light on the existence of these criminal syndicates in the region.
The Karen armed group led by Saw Chit Thu, known by two names—BGF (Border Guard Force) and KNA (Karen National Army)—is the most influential organization involved in this situation, followed by the DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army). After casino businesses emerged in border areas controlled by armed groups, online scam operations expanded, recruiting forced laborers through deception and coercion, subjecting them to torture and even death. However, due to various vested interests, these criminal operations have been protected for years by armed groups and government authorities receiving bribes.
Following increased pressure from China to take action against these criminal syndicates, neighboring Thailand has also intensified its efforts. Instead of directly raiding these crime hubs, authorities have opted for a blockade strategy—cutting off electricity, fuel, and internet access. Both the Thai government and the Myanmar military council have been implementing these measures.
China has named its crackdown “Operation Xinyou-2,” and the Myanmar military council, which relies on China’s support, has also joined the effort.
During discussions between Thailand, China, and the Myanmar military council regarding these criminal networks operating inside Myanmar’s territory, the Myanmar side pointed out that the electricity supply to these areas came from Thailand. Shortly after, Thailand cut off power to five border towns, including Myawaddy, Three Pagodas Pass, and Tachileik, known hubs for scam operations.
Since the scam syndicates managed to continue their operations using fuel-powered generators, authorities escalated the blockade by restricting fuel imports.
Thailand has now banned the transport of fuel, solar panels, and computer-related equipment to Myawaddy, Three Pagodas Pass, and Tachileik. However, these restrictions have also severely impacted civilians, disrupting daily life, trade, food supply, and essential services such as hospitals and schools. The Myanmar side has also restricted fuel transport to Myawaddy, further exacerbating the fuel shortage and making transportation difficult for local residents.
Three days after Thailand’s blockade began, fuel prices in Myawaddy surged, with a 4-gallon container reaching 2,000 baht (approximately 260,000 MMK). With no clear timeline for how long the blockade will last, panic buying, smuggling, and alternative transport routes have emerged.
While the exact situation in scam hubs like Shwe Kokko and Mae Thaw Tha Lay remains unclear, civilians in bustling trade towns like Myawaddy are facing immense hardships. Businesses, food vendors, service providers, hospitals, and schools are all struggling to operate.
China and Thailand are fully cooperating in this crackdown, but the Myanmar military council’s response has been far less proactive. Since Saw Chit Thu’s BGF/KNA is no longer under the direct control of the military council, the junta has distanced itself, downplaying its responsibility in this situation.
Previously, China had pressured ethnic armed groups like the MNDAA, TNLA, and KIA by blocking fuel and goods at the border to force ceasefire negotiations. Civilians in Kokang and Wa regions had suffered similar disruptions.
Now, civilians in Karen and Mon states living near scam syndicate bases are bearing the brunt of the fuel and electricity blockade imposed by Thailand and the Myanmar military council.