Casinos and online gambling operations in Myanmarโs Payathonzu township continue unaffected despite Thailand cutting electricity, petrol, and internet supplies to the area on February 5. The Thai government suspended these services in five locations in Myanmarโs Tachileik and Payathonzu townships, aiming to disrupt illicit activities.
According to Maj. Gen. Asadawut Panyarachun, commander of the Surasee Task Force in Kanchanaburi province, gambling operators have adapted by using generators, solar panels, and the satellite-based โStarlinkโ internet service, which is not available in Thailand.
Payathonzu, under the control of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), has remained relatively stable, with no reported clashes involving government forces. The township hosts around 10 gambling establishments, including seven online platforms reportedly run by Chinese organized crime networks and ethnic Karen groups. Some of these operations have moved from Cambodia and Laos to evade government crackdowns.
Most gamblers in Payathonzu are Burmese and Chinese nationals, as Myanmarโs government has closed the border crossing, limiting access for foreign visitors.
