Local residents report that some online scam operations (known locally as Kyar Phyant) previously based along the Thai–Myanmar border in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, have begun relocating to the Three Pagodas Pass area. The relocations are the result of more arrests being carried out by the military council’s forces and Karen armed groups.
Since early November, the military council has been cracking down on online scam syndicates in Myawaddy, including operations in Shwe Kokko and KK Park, arresting those involved and demolishing buildings linked to the scams.
The Karen National Union (KNU) also conducted clearance operations in late November targeting online scam businesses operating in Min Lat Pan Village, which were reportedly running under the security protection of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
Nearly 1,000 Chinese nationals believed to be involved in scam operations have arrived in the Three Pagodas Pass area since October, according to a local resident.
“When arrests intensified in Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko, some Chinese nationals and Myanmar citizens involved in scam operations moved to this side. Some are living in Three Pagodas Pass town, while others are staying outside the town in DKBA-controlled areas. They began arriving around October 2025. At least nearly 1,000 Chinese nationals have come to this area,” the resident said.
At present, online scam operations are still active in Three Pagodas Pass. Although their scale is no longer as extensive as in 2024. They are estimated to be operating at around 70 percent of previous levels.
While arrests are ongoing in the Myawaddy area, no such crackdowns have been reported in Three Pagodas Pass. Residents say that although the Thai government has cut electricity supply to the town, Chinese operators continue to run their businesses using private generators and internet connections.
Another local resident said, “As arrests increased in Myawaddy, we understand that people moved toward Three Pagodas Pass. The number arriving here is around 1,000 or slightly more. We’ve also heard there may be Chinese scam operators in Mawlamyine and around Zwegabin near Hpa-An, but that hasn’t been confirmed. What can be confirmed is that more than 1,000 have arrived in the Three Pagodas Pass area.”
Due to the presence of online scam operations, residents of Three Pagodas Pass have been affected by the Thai government’s electricity cuts.
According to local sources, Three Pagodas Pass is currently controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
