Utilities cutoff to combat call-centre gangs in Myanmar to remain

The National Security Committee confirmed on Tuesday that it will maintain a utilities cutoff to combat call-centre gangs in Myanmar for a while, saying additional measures are under consideration.

NSC secretary general Chatchai Bangchuad said a meeting was held Tuesday to evaluate the situation after Thailand cut off electricity, internet and fuel supplies to border regions last week. The affected areas include Tachileik, Myawaddy and Phaya Thonsu townships.The meeting also covered consideration of additional measures, such as the Commerce Ministry’s proposal to ban solar-cell exports to Myanmar and an Energy Ministry measure related to fuel and cooking gas, he said.

He added that the NSC will report the meeting’s outcome to Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the committee’s chairman, who did not attended Tuesday’s meeting.

Chatchai noted that the utilities cutoff has enabled leaders of Myanmar’s Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) to suppress illegal businesses. 

“If we find that the call-centre scams have not decreased, we will launch additional measures to tackle them,” he said, adding that a solar-cell export ban is among the measures considered.Chatchai asked media to wait for Phumtham’s clarification regarding the National Telecom Plc CEO’s remark that additional telephone and internet cutoffs should await the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission’s order.

The NSC will review the utilities-cutoff measure if Karen forces can repel Chinese illegal businesses from Myanmar by February 28, he said.

(2025/02/11-00:00)