Myanmar’s military has declared the demolition of around 150 structures in an operation targeting a notorious internet scam hub near the Thailand border, which includes facilities such as a gym, spa, and karaoke lounge.
In conflict-ridden areas of Myanmar with lax governance, fraudulent operations have thrived, where workers engage in deceiving online users with schemes related to romance and business, resulting in annual losses amounting to tens of billions of dollars.
While some individuals are coerced into these illicit activities, others willingly join these compounds, which are equipped with lavish amenities for criminal leaders and their high-earning employees.
Recently, the military in Myanmar conducted a raid on the well-known scam hub KK Park, uncovering over 2,000 scammers and prompting 1,500 individuals to flee across the border to Thailand.
According to a report in the state-controlled publication The Global New Light of Myanmar, authorities have identified 148 structures, including dormitories, a four-story medical facility, and a two-story karaoke establishment. The newspaper stated that 101 buildings have already been demolished, with work ongoing on the remaining 47 structures.
Although AFP could not immediately verify these assertions, local residents in Myanmar and Thailand have reported hearing sporadic explosions following the military operation in Myanmar.
Experts believe that the military’s actions are likely calculated, well-publicized efforts to address international demands to combat scam operations without significantly impacting the profits that support the militias allied with the junta in the ongoing civil conflict since the 2021 coup.
Despite China’s support for the military regime, there are indications that Beijing is becoming increasingly frustrated with the widespread scams targeting its nationals. However, a severe crackdown could undermine the profits benefiting the militias aligned with the junta, as observed by monitors.
In response to pressure from China, thousands of scam workers were repatriated from Myanmar in a highly publicized move in February, while Thailand implemented a cross-border internet blockade to disrupt the fraudulent activities.
The initial raids on KK Park in October were announced following an investigation by AFP that revealed the expansion of scam centers, including KK Park, despite apparent crackdowns, with the use of Starlink satellite internet receivers to bypass the Thai internet restrictions.
Following the AFP investigation, SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, disclosed that it had disconnected over 2,500 satellite internet terminals in the vicinity of suspected scam centers in Myanmar.