Thailand cut electricity supplies on Wednesday to several areas in neighboring Myanmar that are home to sites at the center of a global, billion-dollar online scam industry.

Thailand on Wednesday cut off power supplies to areas in Myanmar where scam networks operate, following a public outcry demanding government action to tackle the problem.

Thailand has cut electricity, internet and fuel supplies to five border areas in Myanmar, a senior Thai minister said on Wednesday, as the Southeast Asian nation steps up efforts to choke scam centres that have become a growing security concern.

BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) revealed on Wednesday (Feb 5) that Myanmar was informed of Thailand’s decision to cut electricity to five of its border areas but made no response.

Thailand will suspend electricity supply to some border areas with Myanmar in an effort to curb scam centres, its government said on Tuesday, amid growing pressure on the illegal compounds that have ensnared vast numbers of people of multiple nationalities.

Thailand will cut off electricity, internet access and oil supplies to some areas in Myanmar suspected to house cyber scam operations, widening a crackdown after a high-profile trafficking of a Chinese actor put a spotlight on criminal activities across the Thai borders.

Thai authorities today cut off internet, power, and fuel along the Thai-Myanmar border to cripple suspected transnational boiler room gangs. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) disconnected the electricity supply at five points along the northern border,