Thailand plans to cut utilities to five Myanmar border locations linked to Chinese-operated scam centers that have caused billions in losses. The decision, made during an urgent security meeting, targets areas with suspiciously high electricity consumption in Payathonzu, Tachileik, and Myawaddy townships. The action comes ahead of Thai PM's China visit and could affect up to 100,000 people.
A controversial city called Shwe Kokko has emerged on the Myanmar-Thailand border, built by Chinese entrepreneur She Zhijiang and accused of being a hub for scams, money-laundering, and human trafficking. Despite attempts to present itself as a legitimate resort destination, the city continues to operate scam centers targeting global victims, while its founder awaits extradition in a Bangkok jail. The development faces mounting pressure from Chinese and Thai authorities working to shut down fraudulent operations along the border.
Fentanyl, responsible for over 74,000 American deaths in 2023, primarily enters the US through Mexico using chemicals sourced from China and increasingly from India. Mexican cartels manufacture the drug using Chinese precursor chemicals, with 98% of US seizures occurring at the southwest border, while China maintains it has strict drug laws despite evidence of companies knowingly selling fentanyl-related chemicals.