THE Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand stopped supplying electricity to the border towns of Shwe Kokko and Lay Kay Kaw in Myanmar amid reports of gambling complexes being used for criminal activities.
Thai officials said the power cuts initiated by Thailand’s PEA were requested by the government of Myanmar amid reports of notorious casino complexes that allegedly host major organized crime operations.
The said towns reportedly house gambling and entertainment complexes developed by Chinese investors accused of luring people into taking jobs and forcing them to work in call centers conducting internet scams as well as promoting drug and human trafficking.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Ministry of Interior responded to the shocking allegations against Chinese investors, to which the agency explained the electricity authority stopped supplying power to the two towns because the supply contract has already expired and Myanmar’s government declined to extend it.
Moreover, Thailand is ready to resume supplying power to the said border towns should Myanmar decide to renew the contract.
Thai authorities received reports that the said gambling complexes remain in operation and have prepared themselves for this kind of situation by securing generators they can use for the next few weeks.
