BANGKOK (Xinhua): Thailand has tightened border control to prevent possible adverse effects after it suspended power supply to five areas in Myanmar as part of its effort to combat illegal operations, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has announced.
Thai border patrol police and military forces have strengthened security along the border and all relevant agencies have been fully engaged in implementing the measures to tackle drug trafficking and border-related crimes, Phumtham said during an inspection visit to the Tak province bordering Myanmar.
Phumtham cited one example where power usage visibly decreased by half in one of Myanmar's areas where online scams are concentrated, after the electricity supply was cut off on Wednesday, indicating the impact of the measure.
He noted that the Thai telecom regulatory body would terminate all problematic Internet connections by the end of this month, while essential services would face reduced connectivity.
Thailand's National Security Council resolved on Tuesday to cut electricity, fuel supply, and Internet services to five locations across three Myanmar states identified as bases for illegal activities, including human trafficking, call center scams, money laundering and transnational crimes. - Xinhua
