Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Border in Crackdown on Cybercrime, but It Might Not Work At All

Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Border to Combat Cybercrime—But Will It Work?

Thailand officially severed power supply to five electricity points along its border with Myanmar at 9 a.m. on February 5. The decision, endorsed by Thailand’s National Security Council, aims to disrupt the operational networks of criminal syndicates operating in Myanmar’s lawless border zones. However, critics argue that the measure may be more symbolic than effective, as fraud rings have already adapted to such disruptions.

A Strategic Move or a Futile Gesture?

According to the Director of the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand, the blackout affects Myanmar’s Mon, Shan, and Karen states, specifically in areas like Tachilek and Myawaddy, known hotspots for scam syndicates. The power cut impacts a total supply of 20.37 megawatts.

This action follows Thailand’s long-standing agreements with Myanmar, which date back to 1992 and 1994, permitting cross-border electricity sales. Under the contract, Thailand has the right to unilaterally terminate supply if regulations are breached—a clause now being exercised in response to rampant cybercrime.

While the move signals Thailand’s commitment to tackling transnational crime, experts warn that it may not yield the intended results. Instead, the impact could be limited, affecting civilians and businesses more than the cybercriminal networks it aims to dismantle.

Cybercrime Syndicates Are Resilient and Prepared

Transnational fraud syndicates operating in Myanmar’s border regions are highly organized, adaptable, and financially resilient. In our exclusive interview today, escaped employees from these scam centers revealed that the criminals had anticipated power disruptions and implemented contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted operations.

• Diesel Generators & Alternative Energy: Scam centers function like self-sustaining microstates, equipped with industrial-sized diesel generators and vast fuel reserves. A power cutoff from Thailand will likely be a minor inconvenience rather than a game-changer.
• Satellite Internet & Starlink Technology: Fraudsters have shifted away from reliance on local internet providers. Many now use Elon Musk’s Starlink, which offers high-speed satellite internet independent of traditional infrastructure. This allows them to operate seamlessly despite power or network disruptions.

Unintended Consequences: Who Really Suffers?

While scam networks remain operational, legitimate businesses and local communities will bear the brunt of the power cut.

• Disruptions to Legal Businesses & Communities: Many cross-border towns depend on Thai electricity for daily operations. This includes factories, agricultural enterprises, and essential services that now face economic uncertainty.
• Boost to Myanmar’s Shadow Economy: The demand for alternative power sources will likely fuel black-market trade, benefiting illicit businesses and warlords linked to Myanmar’s military.
• Thailand’s Own Security Risks: By cutting power, Thailand risks driving scam syndicates further into Myanmar or even back into Thai territory, exacerbating security concerns rather than resolving them.

What Should Thailand Do Instead?

Experts suggest that a more strategic, multi-faceted approach is needed to combat cybercrime effectively. Instead of focusing on energy supply, Thailand should consider these alternatives:

• Target Financial Networks & Money Laundering: Cybercrime syndicates rely heavily on international banking and cryptocurrency transactions. Disrupting these financial networks would inflict more damage than a temporary power cut.
• Regulate Starlink & Internet Access: Since many fraud networks operate via Starlink, stricter regulations on its distribution in Southeast Asia could help curb their activities.
• Enhance Regional Law Enforcement Collaboration: Myanmar’s lawlessness fuels the problem. Stronger intelligence-sharing and joint crackdowns involving China, ASEAN nations, and cybercrime task forces would have a more lasting impact.

Final Verdict: A Symbolic Move with Limited Impact

While Thailand’s decision to cut electricity to Myanmar’s border regions underscores its commitment to fighting cybercrime, the move is largely symbolic. Fraud networks have already adapted, and the measure may inadvertently harm legitimate businesses and worsen regional instability.

If Thailand truly wants to combat transnational cyber fraud, it must shift focus from performative actions to targeted financial interventions, stricter internet regulations, and international law enforcement cooperation. Until then, fraudsters remain several steps ahead in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse.