Residents in Payathonzu town and nearby villages in Kyainseikgyi Township, near the Thai-Myanmar border in Karen State, say people have been disappearing frequently, and despite filing complaints, no information or follow-up action has been provided.
According to local sources, on the evening of November 10th, a male taxi driver from Payathonzu who was transporting passengers to Kyawpalu village went missing. He has not been heard from since.
Locals report that at least three motorcycle taxi drivers have gone missing along with their bike, this year. Despite families submitting reports to armed groups controlling Payathonzu, no effective response or investigation has been carried out.
“Another person went missing yesterday and hasn’t returned yet. Motorcycle drivers disappear often, sometimes their bikes are stolen too. Even when we file complaints, nothing happens. Someone also went missing back in October and still hasn’t been found,” a resident said.
In a similar case in June, a motorcycle delivery person was attacked and had his throat slit during a robbery, though he survived, according to the same source.
Locals say law enforcement is weak in Payathonzu, where multiple armed groups operate, and no legal action is taken against criminal activities. As a result, robberies, thefts, and other crimes continue unchecked, putting residents’ lives at risk.
Residents also point out that drug sales and casino gambling have become increasingly visible and widespread in the town, leading to a spike in criminal activity.
“Since the DKBA took control, robberies have increased. Many people are involved in gambling and drug use, and that’s driving the rise in theft and violence. We file complaints, but nothing changes. Most of the missing are adults, but even children sometimes disappear within neighborhoods,” a resident explained.
Reports indicate that around 10 children have gone missing in Payathonzu this year. Some have been found, but the circumstances of their disappearances remains unclear.
Locals believe that organized criminal groups, some linked to local armed organizations, are behind many of the abductions and robberies.
