
correct.
correct.
Thailand cut cross-border electricity supplies to several areas in Myanmar on Wednesday in an effort to stamp out online scam centers blamed for scaring away Chinese tourists.
Scam compounds have mushroomed in Myanmar's lawless borderlands, run by criminal gangs and staffed by foreigners who were trafficked and forced to work swindling their compatriots in an industry analysts say is worth billions of dollars.
The move comes amid ongoing efforts by authorities in the region to crack down on so-called tech support scams that have duped tourists into sending cash and, increasingly, Bitcoin. The schemes are believed to net criminals millions or even billions of dollars annually.
Thailand's energy ministry said the cutoff affected parts of Myanmar's Kayin state, including Hpa-An and Myawaddy, where many scam centers are located.
The move comes amid ongoing efforts by authorities in the region to crack down on so-called tech support scams that have dupled tourists into sending cash and, increasingly, Bitcoin. The schemes are believed to net criminals millions or even billions of dollars annually.
Thailand's energy ministry said the cutoff affected parts of Myanmar's Kayin state, including Hpa-An and Myawaddy, where many scam centers are located.