MAE SOT – Thai-Myanmar border forces report progress in their latest crackdown on Chinese-funded call-centre gangs and online scam networks linked to Shwe Kokko. Large-scale criminal operations have now shut down, with more than 20,000 mobile phones seized, over 3,000 computers confiscated, and around 900 Chinese nationals taken into custody.
On Friday, reporters in Mae Sot district, Tak province, said that soldiers from Myanmar’s 22nd Division, together with allied Karen BGF troops and Myanmar government militia, continue to press ahead with arrests of Chinese call-centre and scam groups.
The operations focus on the Shwe Kokko area in Myawaddy district, Kayin State, Myanmar, opposite Ban Wang Pha in Khane Chue subdistrict, Mae Ramat district, and Ban Wang Kaeo in Mae Pa subdistrict, Mae Sot district.
In the latest operation, Myanmar troops detained 900 Chinese nationals and took control of 20 commercial buildings. Officers seized more than 20,000 mobile phones and over 3,000 computers. Military sources in Myanmar say they plan to arrest at least 2,000 Chinese and other foreign suspects linked to these scam networks, and the crackdown will continue.
Karen BGF officers report that the Myanmar military sweep in Shwe Kokko has forced many large businesses to shut down. Five-star hotels, high-end restaurants catering to VIP clients, and major convenience stores have all closed their doors. Many wealthy business owners of Chinese descent from Myanmar have fled Shwe Kokko and rented hotels in Myawaddy town instead. As a result, hotels in Myawaddy are now fully booked.
Lt. Col. Naing Maung Soe, spokesperson for the BGF, said that the joint operation with the Myanmar army against scam gangs is genuine and not for show. He stressed that the BGF joined the campaign at the request of the Myanmar military, not under pressure.
All confiscated items linked to global financial fraud will be handed to the Myanmar army and police for investigation and legal action.
Meanwhile, tension along the Thai-Myanmar border has also flared up again, with fresh clashes between Myanmar government forces and anti-regime troops near Thai territory.
Old-style artillery shells, similar to those used in past wars, landed on a school in Mae Sot during its sports day. Classes were stopped at once, and the school was closed temporarily for safety. At the same time, around 100 Myanmar citizens fled across the border into Thailand.
Fighting broke out again along the border in Mae Sot district, Tak province. Troops from Myanmar’s 22nd Light Infantry Division, armed with both small arms and heavy weapons, launched an attack on resistance forces based at the Pa Sak outpost in Min La Pan village, Myawaddy district, Kayin State. The area lies opposite Ban Mae Kong Kan, village 9, Mahawan subdistrict, Mae Sot district.
Both sides sent in reinforcements and exchanged fire with rifles and other personal weapons. Myanmar’s support units fired heavy weapons towards the front line, while the resistance responded by using drones fitted with explosives to attack the Myanmar army with force.
There are no confirmed reports of casualties on either side, but the fighting, which took place only a few hundred metres from the border, had a direct impact on Thai territory.
One artillery shell crossed into Thailand and landed in Ban Mae Khon Kaen School, which sits close to the firing line, right in the middle of the school’s sports day. Teachers and pupils were left in shock.
Second Lt. Thawatchai Saengplang, the school director, quickly announced the cancellation of the sports day and urged parents to collect all 345 pupils from every class as soon as possible. The evacuation took place while the sounds of gunfire and explosions continued in the background.
The school is now reviewing the situation and checking safety for teachers and pupils daily. If the fighting goes on, the school may need to stay closed for a longer period.
Gun battles with both heavy and small arms have been ongoing in the area for more than a month. The recent escalation has driven more than 100 Myanmar citizens to flee across the Moei River into Thailand.
Thai security forces from the Ratchamanu Task Force, Mae Sot Provincial Administrative Organisation, and Border Patrol Police Company 346 have been deployed with full equipment to protect Thai sovereignty and provide security for fleeing Myanmar civilians.
Thai villagers near the border have been advised to avoid conflict zones because of the risk of stray bullets and shells entering Thai territory.
