An interview with Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an expert on Myanmar-China affairs, about China’s pressure to tackle online scams (Kyar Phyant operations) along the Thai-Myanmar border.
The online scam (Kyar Phyant operation) and human trafficking issues came to light after a Chinese actor was abducted in Shwe Kokko, located in Myawady on the Thai-Myanmar border.
Since then, China has put some pressure on both Myanmar and Thailand to address the situation.
According to reports, a delegation led by Thai General Direk Bongkarn, the head of the Neighbouring Countries Coordination Center (NCCC), met with Vice-Senior General Soe Win, on 21 January.
Following the meeting, the military council issued a statement on 22 January, announcing that the Myanmar and Thai militaries would cooperate to eliminate the online scams and combat human trafficking.
Also, to combat the spread of online scams, the Lanchang-Mekong Law Enforcement Cooperation Center (LMLECC) hosted a review meeting on the Jingyao Joint Law Enforcement Operation on 21 January in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
Narinjara interviewed Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar-China affairs expert, about China’s pressure on online scams on the Thai-Myanmar border.
Q: China has intensified its pressure on Shwe Kokko, near Myawady, which has become notorious for online scams in Myanmar. What actions will China take to address this issue?
A: Online scams are more prevalent in northern Myanmar than in the south. Prior to the capture of the military headquarters in northern Shan State by Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), China had already warned the military council to address the issue of online scams, as they were impacting China. However, the military council failed to take action. Four families from the Ming were involved, and when their members were arrested, they reportedly committed suicide. In response, China has intensified efforts to combat the scams, with Chinese police officers now part of the enforcement teams. In a tragic turn, six young Chinese police officers were killed by the Ming family members, further escalating tensions and angering China.
All the leaders of Kokang hold Chinese ID cards.
In 1990, apartment buildings were sold in Mansi as part of regional development. Chinese ID cards were issued to all family members of those who purchased a flat worth one million. As a result, many people in the region now hold Chinese ID cards. Given that the Kokang people are descendants of China, China has demanded that the Myanmar military government address the situation, with Myanmar’s side acknowledging that these individuals hold Chinese ID cards.
Q: Can China pressure Thailand, given that this issue is occurring in Myawady and Shwe Kokko, near the Thai border?
A: China will pressure Thailand, and Thailand will have to comply. The tourism industry, which generates significant overseas income, is crucial for Thailand. This situation has a major impact on the industry, especially as Chinese tourists often travel to Thailand on charter flights, particularly during peak times like the Chinese New Year.
They have common organizations at the township, regional, and district levels. Millions of Chinese people from rural areas travel to Thailand by charter flights. This has a significant impact on the Thai economy. I believe Thailand will take more efforts to crack down on online scams in response.
Q: Online scam operations along the Thai-Myanmar border are linked to both Myanmar and Thailand. What might happen next between these three countries, including China?
A: China has previously stated that Chinese citizens traveling to Thailand have faced similar situations. However, the issue gained more attention after the arrest of a Chinese actor. Currently, around 6,000 Chinese nationals are reportedly trapped in online scam operations. Victims are only released after the extortion money is paid. This issue has been ongoing in Myanmar for years, and China is already aware of it. However, online scams continue to proliferate in China as well. China is particularly upset by the recent deaths of six police officers in northern Myanmar and intends to take action, putting pressure on both Thailand and Myanmar to address the situation.
Q: Online scams and human trafficking are occurring in Myawady, located on the Thai-Myanmar border, an area controlled by the Border Guard Force (BGF). Is it possible for China to send its military or other security forces to intervene and crack down on these activities?
A: How can the Chinese military make arrests in this area, given that it’s far from the Chinese border? China did not arrest those involved in online scams in northern Shan State. Many of these individuals fled to Nay Pyi Taw after the MNDAA’s attack, where Myanmar’s junta forces arrested them and later handed them over to China. For China to intervene, it would need precise data and cooperation from Nay Pyi Taw, who could arrest the suspects and then transfer them to China. Despite pressure from China, Thailand cannot take action against criminals in Myanmar since they are not on Thai soil. Saw Chit Thu invited Chinese merchants to explain the situation. I think China will handle the matter strategically. After his release, a Chinese actor confirmed that thousands of foreigners were arrested alongside him.
Q: Can China take strict action against Myanmar regarding online scam operations?
A: China will take action on this matter. As we know, Wang Yi himself has called for strong measures to combat online gambling and fraud operations. Currently, six countries—China, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—are collaborating to eliminate online scam activities.
Sent by Narinjara
