Following the closure of casinos in Payathonzu (Three Pagodas Pass) on February 8, Chinese nationals who had been residing in the town have started relocating to surrounding areas, according to local sources.
Currently, many Chinese nationals have moved into buildings located in a Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA)-controlled area, approximately 15 meters from Payathonzu town. A local resident reported that only around 100 Chinese nationals remain in the town center.
“They have been leaving for the past three to four days, moving their belongings. In the town center, particularly around the casino district, only about 100 Chinese people are left. Restaurants and beauty salons previously run by Chinese nationals have also been vacated. However, it’s not accurate to say they have completely left the Payathonzu area. It seems more like DKBA wants to give the impression that there are no more Chinese nationals in the town,” said the resident.
Despite claims that Chinese nationals have vacated the town, some sources believe it to be a strategic move, suggesting that the individuals may still be in the area rather than having crossed into other border regions or Thailand.
On February 9, DKBA issued a notice ordering Chinese nationals engaged in illegal businesses, including casinos, gambling houses, and food and beverage establishments, to leave Payathonzu by February 28.
Following this directive, Chinese nationals have been returning rented apartments and dormitories to their landlords, while negotiations continue over larger buildings leased for substantial sums.
According to another resident, “Since the announcement, the number of Chinese people in the town’s markets has noticeably decreased. Most will likely leave before the February 28 deadline, as both local armed groups and residents are closely monitoring the situation.”
While many Chinese nationals have started leaving Payathonzu, DKBA Colonel Saw San Aung confirmed that there have been no official arrangements to transfer them to Thailand, unlike the situation in Myawaddy.
“Chinese nationals are leaving on their own terms, but there have been no official handovers to Thailand from Payathonzu,” he stated.
Reports from some media outlets suggest that gambling operations have moved to areas controlled by the New Mon State Party (NMSP), though the Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) is still verifying these claims.
