Phyo/ Thant Zin (NP News) - Nov 9
Sources familiar with the matter told The Statesman Journal that one of the DKBA leader, Saw A-Wan is supporting to secure hydroelectric power for online scam operations in the Payathonzu Township, Kayin State, on the Myanmar-Thailand border.
“At the Payathonzu, Bo A-Wan is providing hydroelectric power to run cyber scam located near the waterfall,” a source said.
Another source said that the hydroelectric project was started about six years ago at Hte Long Shu Waterfall, led by DKBA leader Bo A-Wan, who controls the Payathonzu Town.
“It is also called the Two Frogs. It is the Hte Long Shu Waterfall. Previously, there was not much hydropower generation because there were not many experts. Now, with the help of Chinese experts, a large amount of hydropower is being generated. We have been working on building a hydropower plant in Hte Long Shu for a long time. The final steps were completed this year,” he said.
Then, starting in April of this year, online scam operations under the control of Bo A-Wan in Payathonzu began to receive the electricity supply from hydroelectric power, he said.
“It’s not given to all online scam compounds. Out of the 23 online scam compounds owned by Bo A-Wan, electricity is supplied to 12 of them. The rest rely on generators and solar power, though generators are mainly used. Bo A-Wan compounds operate on a rotating schedule of hydropower and generators,” he added.
The Thai government began cutting electricity and fuel on February 5, 2025, as online fraud in the Payathonzu began to grow in early 2025.
Additionally, the DKBA had previously issued a statement on February 28, 2025, calling on online scam operators, online gambling businesses, and casinos to leave Payathonzu.
However, as electricity and internet continue to operate, online fraud continues to grow, and now even internet access is being provided via cable, including hydroelectric power, the source said.
“Also, the internet is connected by cables. That too comes from Myanmar. To be honest, some operator guys even secretly installed it. This happened after the Thai side cut off the internet and electricity. Now, when the internet access available in Kyain seikgyi, it is connected through the forest and comes here by cables. There are many things that the government is unaware of,” he added. –
