Residents living along the Thai-Myanmar border report facing repeated internet disruptions since October 16, as Starlink connections have been increasingly cut off, according to local sources.
The outages have mainly affected areas near the Chinese-run fraud compounds, known locally as “Zhàpiàn” sites, along the Myawaddy border. Some Starlink users said their accounts were suspended shortly after receiving official emails from the company, indicating that verification checks were underway.
U.S. lawmakers recently told AFP that investigations have begun into Starlink’s possible involvement in online scam operations based along the Myanmar border.
Locals interviewed by the Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) described the situation and their efforts to prepare for potential communication blackouts.
A resistance fighter from the 7th Brigade area
“In Myawaddy, many devices are being blocked, especially those connected to the ‘fraud compounds.’ Starlink G3 units near these sites have been shut down. Some users got their accounts disabled because their locations were mistakenly linked to scam zones. We’re now switching between Thai SIM cards and Starlink, but it’s unstable and causes Facebook IP issues.”
A resident from Payathonzu
“We haven’t experienced cuts here yet, but we heard Starlink is being shut down in selected areas. Some towns have already lost access. We’re now preparing by using Thai Wi-Fi like True. We worry that we’ll be next if the internet keeps getting restricted.”
A resident from Kyainseikgyi
“Without Starlink, things will be very difficult. Many people rely on the internet for work and online studies. In places like Kyainseikgyi, which is close to resistance zones, local internet access is poor, so we depend on Starlink. If it gets cut, using Thai networks won’t even be possible in remote areas.”
A tech expert from Myawaddy
“If this continues, we might see a total blackout like in Rakhine before Starlink existed. That would severely affect communication and human rights. For now, local Myanmar SIMs still work, but the situation could worsen quickly.”
Although Starlink is not officially authorized in Myanmar, many border residents have been using devices smuggled in from Thailand since early this year, especially in areas where the military junta blocks national internet networks.
Experts note that these new restrictions will mainly affect civilians who depend on Starlink for communication, while online scam operators are likely to find alternative ways to stay connected.
