Scam Operators Lose Towers in Shwe Kokko Crackdown, Thai Side Unharmed

Myanmar’s military has torn down the first batch of high-rise towers used in Chinese-run online fraud schemes at Shwe Kokko, a border town opposite Mae Sot. While over a dozen buildings have been demolished so far, Thai authorities confirm the operations on Myanmar’s side have not affected any installations or residents in Mae Sot.

Demolition and Thai Side Unharmed

Impact on Mae Sot

The razing of these structures began late last week, when Myanmar troops moved in under orders from the junta. Thai border officials report no physical damage or security breaches on their side of the Moei River, which separates Shwe Kokko from Mae Sot district in Tak province. “We have increased patrols along the river but so far there have been no spill-over incidents,” said Colonel Somchai Chaiwat, commander of the Mae Sot Border Command.

Background on Shwe Kokko’s Scam Towers

Shwe Kokko became notorious in recent years as the center of online fraud operations run by investors and criminal syndicates, many with ties to Chinese nationals. The so-called “tower city” housed call centres, gambling platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges exploiting victims across Southeast Asia. In early 2022, Thai authorities warned that illicit profits and human trafficking flows had surged in tandem with the border enclave’s rapid development.

Reactions from Thai Authorities and Locals

Thai officials in Mae Sot have cautiously welcomed the demolition campaign, but remain on alert for shifts in cross-border crime tactics. “This is a positive step towards curbing transnational fraud,” said Pol. Col. Nutchapong Kanhabutr, head of Mae Sot Police Station. Local shop owner Narin Suwan remarked, “We hope this brings peace of mind to traders and families who feared the scammers would expand across the river.”

Implications for Cross-Border Crime and Trade

Security experts say dismantling these towers could disrupt major fraud networks, forcing operators to relocate or switch to more covert methods. Dr. Angela Lim, a regional crime analyst at Bangkok University, noted, “Effective border cooperation will be key. If Myanmar and Thailand share intelligence, they can prevent these groups from simply moving their base.”

More than 60 additional towers remain scheduled for demolition in the coming weeks. Thai authorities have pledged to monitor developments and coordinate with Myanmar counterparts to protect Mae Sot’s thriving markets and safeguard residents against any illicit spill-over.