Power Cuts in Myanmar Cause Surge in Oil Purchases on Thai Border

Sangkhla Buri: Myanmar people on the Paya Tong Su side, one of the five points where electricity was cut off, have begun to experience chaos, prompting them to buy oil from the Thai side more frequently. The Tachilek side is expected to rely on electricity from Laos instead. According to Thai News Agency, at Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, which borders Phaya Thung Su District, Myanmar, a war room was established to closely monitor the situation. The electricity was cut off to address the issue of call center gangs. After officials disconnected the electricity at the dispenser in front of the Phaya Thung Su checkpoint, villagers on the Myanmar side were immediately impacted. While some homes and various agencies using solar cells and generators are still unable to produce electricity throughout the day, an influx of Burmese people has been seen at gas stations on the Thai side, buying oil and ready-to-eat food. For the electric bridge in front of the first border che ckpoint in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, the electricity authority has also cut off power. This impacts the Tachileik side, which primarily relies on electricity from Thailand, although it also has a supply from Laos. It is anticipated that Laos will need to repair the power transmission system, potentially rendering electricity in Tachileik unusable for an additional 3-5 days. Consequently, there has been a rush among Myanmar people to purchase oil for their generators. In Tak Province, officials have disconnected electricity at two major points in Myawaddy Province, Myanmar: Ban Huai Muang and Ban Wang Takhian Tai in Mae Sot District. Approximately 50,000 Myanmar residents are expected to be affected. This morning, the governor of Tak Province held discussions with relevant agencies to prepare for the situation and its impacts. However, it is anticipated that there will be no immediate evacuation of Myanmar people.