Myanmar Spring Chronicle – February 12 Overview
MoeMaKa, February 13, 2025
DKBA Transfers 261 Individuals to Thailand, BGF Forms Special Task Force for Crackdown
In recent days, nearly one-third of the daily news has been related to the crackdown on illegal gambling operations in Myawaddy Township. Reports cover various impacts, including disruptions to local businesses, fuel and electricity shortages, and trade restrictions from Thailand affecting the supply of essential goods such as cooking fuel and food. These events are causing continuous and unpredictable developments in the region.
Changes are not only occurring on the Myanmar side of Myawaddy but also on the Thai side, where authorities have begun investigations into two senior officials in Mae Sot District. Reports indicate that there are ongoing probes, relocations of individuals, and preparations by Thai authorities to issue arrest warrants for three individuals, including Saw Chit Thu, a key figure of the Border Guard Force (BGF), along with Saw Moet Thon and Saw Tin Win.
With growing pressure from China, Thailand has been gradually taking action against these gambling operations. The two armed groups that have been protecting and benefiting from these operations—the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF)—are now facing increasing scrutiny.
Recently, DKBA transferred 261 foreign nationals, who were allegedly forced into illegal gambling operations in the Myawaddy area, to Thai authorities. Meanwhile, BGF announced the formation of a special task force dedicated to cracking down on illegal gambling and human trafficking. This task force includes oversight and repatriation units along with three additional sub-groups.
For over a decade, BGF operated as a border security force under Myanmar’s military. However, earlier last year, the group officially distanced itself from the military regime and rebranded itself as the Karen National Border Guard Force. Amid increasing pressure from both China and Thailand, BGF now finds itself in a difficult position—unable to fully sever ties with the junta while also facing challenges in protecting its key leader, Saw Chit Thu.
The Myanmar military junta has long tolerated and benefited from illegal gambling operations in Karen State. Despite multiple attempts to persuade Saw Chit Thu to maintain ties with the regime, he resisted and instead chose to sustain his group independently, maintaining its financial and military strength under the banner of Karen nationalism. However, just under a year later, growing pressure from China has forced a shift in circumstances.
Currently, leaders of BGF and DKBA are desperately trying to protect their reputations and financial interests while responding to Thailand’s crackdown. Although Thai authorities and Chinese influence have intensified, there have been no reports of major arrests or the complete shutdown of these illegal gambling operations.
While thousands of trafficked individuals have been repatriated to Thailand, none of the high-level operators behind these criminal enterprises have been handed over. Given that BGF and DKBA control the territories where these crimes have occurred, it is highly unlikely that they are unaware of the full extent of these illegal activities.
The key concern for these armed groups is not law enforcement but rather the financial impact on their revenue streams. Neither Thai nor Myanmar military forces are in a position to launch a direct military crackdown on these groups. Since losing key bases in March and April of last year, the Myanmar military has largely relied on BGF’s control over border crossings in Myawaddy.
Meanwhile, the Karen National Union (KNU), a major ethnic resistance force, has maintained a stance of non-engagement with Karen armed groups to avoid internal conflict. However, its past agreements with these groups regarding land leases in the area raise questions about its role in the broader political landscape.
Implications of the Crackdown
The ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling operations in Myawaddy and nearby areas in Karen and Mon States raises speculation about whether it could lead to a political shift among ethnic armed groups. The situation may weaken smaller armed factions while potentially altering the overall balance of military power in the region.