Online scam operations led by Chinese nationals are still increasing in the Payathonzu area of Kyainseikgyi Township in Kayin State, according to local sources.
Currently, buildings are being expanded for these operations but are disguised as restaurants, guesthouses, and hotels, in the area near Payathonzu Town, including around Kyein Chaung village, near Chaungzon waterfall and within the town itself.
“Chinese groups are expanding their online scam operations, though not openly. They collaborate with armed groups here to purchase land and construct new buildings. Some are building restaurants, while others are setting up places like guesthouses. For example, like the AAA Hotel built on Bayint Naung Road. More hotels like that are being built, and behind them, scam operations are being expanded,” said a local source.
The operations are reportedly secured by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), an armed Karen group active in the area, and are being led by Chinese nationals, the source added.
It is believed that approximately 100,000 Thai baht must be paid to the Southeastern Regional Military Command for each building constructed for these scam operations.
As such operations expand in the Payathonzu area, residents report that Chinese nationals are entering from the Thai side.
“Right now, more Chinese nationals are entering Payathonzu town. Some may come from the Myanmar side, but with tighter security on the Thai side, many are coming through the border at Payathonzu. Some are being arrested, but currently, it’s said that more than 2,000 Chinese nationals are in the town, with many more in the surrounding areas,” said a resident.
On March 16, in the Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong area near the Payathonzu border in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, Thai authorities arrested a Myanmar national along with 2,000 counterfeit Chinese yuan notes and an internet device.
The man admitted that he had been hired to illegally transport counterfeit Chinese yuan notes into Myanmar.
In addition, on March 18th, Thai authorities raided a rented house in Kanchanaburi and arrested a total of 10 people – seven Chinese nationals and three Myanmar nationals, who were in hiding.
Those arrested were previously involved in scam operations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and had planned to move to scam centres in the Payathonzu area of Myanmar for work, according to Thai media sources.
