PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 15: 54
Call-scam groups operating in Myanmar close to the Thai frontier now have access to fuel and electricity, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The offer may be immediately cut off, according to Ms. Paetongtarn on Tuesday, when there is compelling evidence that scammers are profiting from Thailand’s supply of power and fuel.
Some rural areas in Myanmar that are close to the Thai border even rely on Thailand for fuel and electricity.
” We must take care of our people”, the prime minister said.
The scam groups ‘ activities had a significant impact on Thai citizens and the country’s reputation.
” This requires serious measures … which can be imposed at once … This is a serious matter …  , which really concerns every country”, Ms Paetongtarn said.
Asked when the offer may be disconnected, Ms Paetongtarn said,” It can be done immediately. If debate come to a distinct realization, it can be cut off today”.
The Provincial Electricity Authority, according to deputy prime minister and defense secretary Phutham Wechayachai, had immediately shut down the country’s power supply if it was threatening national security.
According to him, the provide contracts allowed the PEA to either lower or unplug it in the name of national security.
” From June 2022 to June 2024, more than 500, 000 Thai people fell victim]to scam gangs ] and lost over 60 billion baht … I think that a gradual decrease in the power supply would be too slow, because the problem is already severe”, Mr Phumtham said.
” Today I will tell the NSC]National Security Council ] to inform the PEA that this issue is critical and the supply of power]to scammers ] must be ended right away”, he said.