Thai authorities are preparing for decisive action against transnational criminal groups based in Myanmar who are using Thai electricity for their activities.
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s announcement to cut power supply by 50% on Tuesday in problem areas was the result of an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).
The decision to partially cut power supply following the NSC meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) caused widespread public outcry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai personally confirmed his intention to visit the Mae Sot border region to assess the situation and subsequently issue an order to reduce power consumption. The decision, according to the minister, will affect several Myanmar towns along the border, including Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy, known for its involvement in online fraud. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will formally notify Myanmar of the measures.
The NSC has the power to independently cut off power without cabinet approval if the areas concerned are proven to be involved in criminal activities. Home Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also deputy prime minister, confirmed the ministry’s readiness to implement the NSC’s directives after receiving detailed information on the whereabouts of the criminal gangs.
National Security Council statement
Chatchai Bangchuad, a deputy secretary-general of NSC, emphasised that the authorities would scrutinise all information before making a final decision on power cuts. He emphasised the need to take into account the PEA’s power supply contracts and the potential impact on Myanmar’s population.
Chatchai also noted that he had discussed the issue with representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, PEA, the military and intelligence agencies, following China’s official request to stop supplying resources to criminal gangs in Myawaddy that are harming Chinese citizens.
