CNI News
17 February 2025
Thailand's suspension of exporting fuel oil and electricity to the Myanmar side in order to combat Zha Pian (telegram fraud) in the Myanmar-Thailand areas hurt locals more, some Myawaddy locals told CNI News.
Electricity provided by Thailand is used only by Myawaddy General Hospital, banks, and other Chinese businesses and the local community uses only local electricity, so there is no problem for them, they said.
Locals in the Myanthe mar-Thailand border areas are depending on the fuel oil coming from Thailand and because Thailand has suspended exporting fuel oil to the Myanmar side, locals have to pay 15,000 kyats per liter just now although 7,000 kyats were paid one liter before, an official from the Alinthit Social Assistance Association, told CNI News.
While seeing people who were waiting to buy fuel oil in Myawaddy
" Because Thailand has cut out exporting fuel oil, all residents of Myawaddy find it difficult because we have to depend on the fuel oil coming from the Thai side. Fuel stations in Myawaddy sell fuel oil part-time only. If they have no fuel oil, they have closed the stations. The price is going up regularly. Now a black market has emerged in Myawaddy. They are selling at double the price. Fuel trucks don't enter the town. There are only cars on which fuel oil is carried and sold." he said.
Thailand has cut out selling electricity, fuel oil and internet service to the five places, including Myawaddy on the Myanmar side since 5th February with a view to suppressing online fraud or Zha Pian.
Thailand has banned exporting its 12 products including mobile phone handsets, inverters and solar panels to Myanmar since 12th February.
Power cut-out only slowed down the operations of the Zha Pian and hurt the public more, U Khun Sai who is taking part in the peace process, told CNI News.
" On the surface, electricity cut-out is not effective yet. It slows down the operations of Zha Pian. But it hurt the public more. It's also a good chance for people who want to stir up unrest. The public is not pleased with it. The Thai side said that they would review it soon and they might change the current situation." he said.
Myanmar and Thailand are jointly taking strict action against telegram fraudsters while China is putting pressure on both of them.
Thai news reports cover that Thai officials are also investigating and taking action against those suspected of being involved in telegram fraud.
