Thai PM Chairs Urgent Security Meeting On Myawaddy Crisis

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday chaired an urgent meeting with heads of security agencies to assess the situation in Myawaddy township, a key hub identified for human trafficking networks in Myanmar.

Paetongtarn said the meeting addressed various aspects of security and public safety including natural disasters, call centre scams, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

bootstrap slideshow

The meeting was prompted by reports of severe challenges in Myawaddy township after Thailand cut electricity, petrol supplies, and internet access to five locations, including Myawaddy, on Feb 5.

Among those who attended the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Defence Minister General Natthapong Nakpanich, Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk, Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, Air Force Commander-in-Chief Punpakdee Pattanakul, and the Police Commissioner-General, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet.

“Their collective efforts have effectively resolved many problems,” she said on her official X account on Friday.

However, Paetongtarn noted that several ongoing issues require continuous and targeted efforts and collaboration among all parties involved.

She emphasised that the most urgent issue is call centre scams, which continue to threaten the lives of Thai citizens, and emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing this problem promptly.

“Measures such as cutting supply chains and severing power sources have proven effective and represent a strong starting point. Nonetheless, I have urged the Border Policy Committee to expand its work plan effectively and to provide a progress report within one month,” she said.

On Wednesday, Myanmar authorities had sent 261 foreign victims of call centre syndicates rescued in Myawaddy to Thailand for deportation. Among them were 15 Malaysians.

-- BERNAMA