Thailand has halted electricity supplies to five locations in Myanmar border townships, citing national security concerns after discovering that the power was being used to operate illegal call centres. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the move, which is expected to cost the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) approximately 50 million baht per month in lost revenue. The decision, effective as of 9am today, follows reports that the electricity was being diverted to support fraudulent activities.
The affected areas include one location in Payathonzu township, opposite Thailand’s Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi, two in Tachileik township (Ban Muang Daeng and the First Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge), and two in Myawaddy township (the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and Ban Huai Muang). These townships collectively consume 20.37 megawatts of electricity annually.
Anutin emphasized that the decision was driven solely by security concerns and not by contractual disputes or political motivations. He acknowledged that Myanmar-based companies purchasing electricity from the PEA could pursue civil lawsuits for compensation but refrained from commenting on similar arrangements with Cambodian companies in Poipet, a known hub for call centre operations opposite Thailand’s Aranyaprathet district.
Representatives from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry and the National Security Council (NSC) briefed the House Administrative Affairs Committee on the power cuts earlier today. Pathai Sitthisunthorn of the NSC revealed that authorities are also considering halting oil supplies and internet services to the affected townships to further curb illegal activities.
Komkrit Jongboonwatana of the Foreign Ministry stated that Myanmar officials were informed of the security threats posed by the call centres and the necessity of the electricity cuts. He assured that the measures would not impact residents unconnected to the fraudulent operations.
Anutin, who arrived late to the PEA headquarters this morning, observed the power disconnection to Ban Huai Muang via a computer monitor. The move underscores Thailand’s efforts to address cross-border security challenges while balancing economic and diplomatic considerations.
