Bangkok: The Prime Minister has revealed that following the enforcement of measures to disrupt call center gangs in Myanmar by cutting off electricity, oil, and internet services, electricity consumption in the region has decreased by 40-50%. The Prime Minister emphasized that those responsible for illegal activities will face consequences. She also clarified that the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists should not be conflated with the issue of illegal entrants, as it plays a crucial role in boosting tourism.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, provided insights during an interview post-Cabinet meeting regarding the significant reduction in electricity usage as a result of the crackdown on illegal call center operations in Myanmar. Mr. Prasert Chanruangthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, noted that in about two weeks, electricity consumption figures are expected to stabilize. However, monitoring the situation poses challenges since the effects of the power cuts are observed in Myanmar, while the impact on call center activities targeting Thailand remains to be assessed.
Addressing concerns about government officials and others involved in these illegal operations, the Prime Minister assured that appropriate punitive measures will be enforced. She stressed that wrongdoing will not go unpunished.
In response to inquiries about the potential link between the visa-free policy and an increase in illegal Chinese entrants, Ms. Paethongtarn argued for a nuanced approach. She highlighted that tourism significantly benefits the economy, with 35 million tourists visiting in 2024. The Prime Minister insisted that while addressing security concerns, it is important not to undermine the positive economic impact of the visa-free policy on tourism, hotels, and SMEs.
Regarding international cooperation to support victims of scams in Myanmar and Cambodia, the Prime Minister mentioned that discussions were underway in the Cabinet meeting. A collaborative working group between Thailand and China is being formed to tackle these issues more effectively. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for China's willingness to engage seriously in these efforts, recognizing the complexities in identifying the nationalities of scam victims due to the international nature of the criminal operations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is facilitating these discussions to enhance cross-border collaboration.