Thailand Cuts Power to Scam Hub on Myanmar Border Ahead of PM’s Visit to Beijing

A 2025 file image of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaking at a Thai university. (Photo by Madaree TOHLALA / AFP)

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra embarked on a four-day visit to China on Wednesday, soon after Thai authorities cut the cross-border power supply to Shwe Kokko, a town in Myanmar said to house huge scam operations staffed by victims of trafficking.

The PM will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Joint anti-scam efforts will likely headline the talks as recent trafficking scandals dented Chinese tourism to Thailand. Liu Zhongyi, China’s vice minister for public security, visited Thailand last week to push for the power to be cut and reportedly criticized Thai authorities for their weak response.

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by CGSP Staff

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