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Traders fret they’re paying price for crackdown on scam call centres

16 Sept 09:12 Key points summarised by AI

Thai authorities implemented 'cut-off measures' (electricity, internet, fuel export bans) since February to combat scam call centers in Myanmar, claiming initial success in reducing online crimes.
Thai traders and the Tak Provincial Chamber of Commerce contend these measures have severely impacted border trade, causing significant hardship and a sharp decline in exports, especially fuel, contradicting government claims of minimal effect.
Despite the economic damage to legitimate businesses, scam centers reportedly remain active in Myawaddy, adapting by importing fuel from other sources and utilizing generators or satellite internet, rendering the 'cut-off measures' largely ineffective against them.
Traders are urging authorities to reconsider the harsh measures, proposing more targeted approaches like limiting power supply to specific areas or seeking cooperation from Myawaddy businesses, to mitigate harm to local vendors while effectively combating scam operations.

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.