Thailand’s electricity authority cut off power to two towns just across the border in Myanmar’s Kayin (Karen) State on Monday night. The area is home to Yatai New Town, a reputed hotbed of new casino developments, illegal online gambling and scam operations, and human trafficking.
The decision was taken by the Thai government at the behest of the Myanmar junta. Thailand is one of the few countries in the world that maintains strong diplomatic ties with Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, whose military government has been accused of widescale human rights abuses. Thailand is also ruled by a de facto military junta.
It’s not clear why Myanmar authorities wanted to kill power in area, which encompasses the town of Lay Kay Kaw, as well as Shwe Kokko, around which Yatai New City, a Chinese-led investment project, is being built.
The decision was taken by the Thai government at the behest of the Myanmar junta. Thailand is one of the few countries in the world that maintains strong diplomatic ties with Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, whose military government has been accused of widescale human rights abuses. Thailand is also ruled by a de facto military junta.
It’s not clear why Myanmar authorities wanted to kill power in area, which encompasses the town of Lay Kay Kaw, as well as Shwe Kokko, around which Yatai New City, a Chinese-led investment project, is being built.