DKBA Orders Chinese Nationals Involved in Scams to Leave Payathonzu

The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Karen militia group in Myanmar, has ordered Chinese nationals involved in online scam operations, casinos, and food manufacturing to leave the border town of Payathonzu by the end of February. The DKBA’s Operational Command No. 2 issued the warning to prevent scam operators from settling in the area, threatening harsh punishment for non-compliance. This move comes amid increasing pressure from the Chinese government on Myanmar’s military regime and Thailand to crack down on scam syndicates targeting Chinese citizens along the border.

Payathonzu, located near the Myanmar-Thailand border, has become a hub for online fraud operations, with gangs relocating from other areas like Shwe Kokko. The DKBA, which administers the town, aims to rebuild trust with the Thai government to restore access to electricity, fuel, and internet supplies, which were cut off in February due to the proliferation of scam activities. The group emphasized the importance of demonstrating that Payathonzu is free from scam operations to regain these essential services.

The DKBA, a signatory to Myanmar’s Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, has been managing security in Payathonzu since mid-2023, with junta forces largely confined to their base. The town’s strategic location at the Three Pagodas Pass has made it a focal point for cross-border activities, but the recent crackdown on scams has disrupted daily life, causing fuel shortages and price hikes. The DKBA’s actions reflect broader efforts to stabilize the region and address international concerns over illegal operations.

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The junta-aligned DKBA says it wants to regain the trust of the Thai government to restore fuel, power, and internet access to the border town of Paya

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