In Three Pagodas Pass, Kyainseikgyi township, Karen State—on the Thai-Myanmar border—valuable items have reportedly gone missing. According to local sources, there has been a series of incidents due to local armed groups failing to provide adequate security measures.
Throughout June, there have been multiple daytime thefts of cars and other expensive items. No legal actions have been taken, resulting in significant losses for local residents.
On the morning of June 14th, a vehicle used to transport workers was stolen while parked near the town’s school gate. A day earlier, on June 13th, a robbery occurred at a gold shop on Parami Street in Ward 4, where over 5 million kyats worth of gold jewelry was taken. In addition to gold shops and other high-value businesses being targeted, there have also been reports of muggings, home break-ins, and threats to personal safety.
“There had never been car thefts before. But now they’ve started, and since the stolen vehicles can’t be sold or moved far, the thieves just abandoned them near a guesthouse in Ward 4. The gold shop robbery also happened shortly after. These are the first incidents of their kind in Three Pagodas Pass,” reported one resident.
Locals believe the thieves operate in organized groups and may be connected to the local armed organizations who are active in the area.
Complaints have been filed with local security and administrative authorities, specifically the DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army) and KNU (Karen National Union), who are responsible for maintaining order in the area. However, residents claim there has been little to no effective response.
“There are administrators appointed by the KNU and security forces from the DKBA in this town. They are supposed to keep the peace for civilians, but they haven’t taken responsibility or acted on these thefts and robberies. Because of this lack of attention, criminals have become bolder—stealing even in broad daylight,” the same resident added.
Currently, Three Pagodas Pass town has seen a rise in the open sale of narcotics and the return of gambling dens, contributing to the spike in criminal activities.
