Myawaddy: Power cuts at five border points in Myanmar have left tens of thousands of villagers affected, as Thai authorities took decisive measures to cut off electricity to regions influenced by the Chinese mafia. The electricity cut, which impacted Myawaddy opposite Mae Sot District, Tak Province, has led to a rush among locals to hoard oil, and has also affected Myawaddy Hospital's ability to store medical supplies requiring refrigeration.
According to Thai News Agency, the power cuts were executed at two crucial points on the Thai-Myanmar border, specifically targeting the Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone, an area identified as being under the influence of the Chinese mafia. The Thai authorities, in an effort to disrupt the operations of these groups, cut off electricity, internet signals, and suspended oil exports at the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and Ban Huai Muang.
Despite the power cuts, the Shwe Kokko area still has access to electricity, reportedly from generators and solar cells prepared in advance. This is not the first instance of such power interruptions; earlier in 2023, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) had severed electricity supply at Ban Wang Pha and Ban Mae Ku Mai Tha Sung, targeting areas known for harboring black-and-gray market activities. Intelligence reports have previously indicated that some areas of these groups were still receiving electricity from Thailand, prompting the current action.
The power cuts have severely impacted tens of thousands of residents in Myawaddy. The local hospital is struggling with the storage of medical supplies, and villagers are frantically stockpiling fuel. Myawaddy's reliance on Thai electricity is significant, given that the Myanmar power grid is located 40 kilometers away in a region embroiled in conflict between rebel factions and the Myanmar military.
The cessation of power, internet, and oil from Thailand has led to uncertainties about the long-term effects. Reports suggest that Chinese grey groups are managing their resources by intermittently using generators. It is anticipated that the current stockpiles might last for another week. Authorities are preparing for potential consequences, including an increase in smuggling and illegal crossings into Thailand as Burmese citizens and employees in affected areas seek alternatives.
Meanwhile, at the Mae Sai border in Chiang Rai Province, where similar electricity cuts were implemented, the situation seems less dire. In Tachileik Province, the impact is mitigated as the Myanmar government has shifted to using electricity purchased from Laos, ensuring a steady power supply unlike the situation in Myawaddy.