The rise of scam syndicates: 23 operations identified in Myanmar’s Payathonzu Pass
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Hsu/Thant Zin - (NP News) - Jan 2
According to a source for The Statesman Journal, 23 online scam operations are running at five sites in Payathonzu Pass which is situated on the Myanmar-Thailand border in Kayin State.
Following reports that online scam syndicates were migrating to Payathonzu Pass, these operations have now expanded into several new sites. These include upgraded facilities in Khaing Chaung, Lay Wah Pha Lo villages, as well as the Htee Lawng Shu and A1 waterfall resorts.
"There were a total of 23 scam sites across those five locations before I left. They're large-scale, organized operations in sectors, and everyone there seems involved. Payathonzu Pass has become a major hub for drugs like K and Happy Water, where almost no young people do regular work. About 4,000 people moved there in October last year. There are fewer Europeans now, with people from various social classes present," said the source.
"Furthermore, these online scam operations—often linked to casinos and gambling syndicates—are operating near Blocks 3 and 4, in close proximity to the Myanmar-Thailand border fence."
According to the source, Chinese nationals account for 80 percent of the workforce, with other foreign nationals making up the remaining 20 percent.
"Chinese make up the majority—about 80 percent—with the remaining 20 percent from other nationalities. Many are from Shan State and Kokang, plus those of Kunming descent. Fewer speak standard Mandarin from mainland China. There are also Myanmar people working as cooks and cleaners," they said.
Following the arrival of online scam operations in Payathonzu Pass, Chinese nationals began renting previously hard-to-sell properties. Since November 2024, rental rates for these spaces have reached 3,000 Thai Baht per month or higher.
Currently, rental and property purchase prices in the town have surged due to the infllux of online scam operations. Monthly rents are now reaching up to 10,000 Thai Baht.
"If you ask the town's residents about their main problem, they'll say the town is ruined—all its systems have collapsed. Houses that once rented for 500 Baht now cost around 10,000 Baht, or about 15 lakh Myanmar Kyats just for rent. We're also afraid of anyone carrying guns; we don't know which group they belong to," said the source.
Furthermore, numerous casino businesses have been established and are currently operating within Payathonzu Pass township, accompanied by an increase in the number of foreign sex workers.
Zawgyi Version:
The rise of scam syndicates: 23 operations identified in Myanmar’s Payathonzu Pass
Hsu/Thant Zin - (NP News) - Jan 2
According to a source for The Statesman Journal, 23 online scam operations are running at five sites in Payathonzu Pass which is situated on the Myanmar-Thailand border in Kayin State.
Following reports that online scam syndicates were migrating to Payathonzu Pass, these operations have now expanded into several new sites. These include upgraded facilities in Khaing Chaung, Lay Wah Pha Lo villages, as well as the Htee Lawng Shu and A1 waterfall resorts.
"There were a total of 23 scam sites across those five locations before I left. They're large-scale, organized operations in sectors, and everyone there seems involved. Payathonzu Pass has become a major hub for drugs like K and Happy Water, where almost no young people do regular work. About 4,000 people moved there in October last year. There are fewer Europeans now, with people from various social classes present," said the source.
"Furthermore, these online scam operations—often linked to casinos and gambling syndicates—are operating near Blocks 3 and 4, in close proximity to the Myanmar-Thailand border fence."
According to the source, Chinese nationals account for 80 percent of the workforce, with other foreign nationals making up the remaining 20 percent.
"Chinese make up the majority—about 80 percent—with the remaining 20 percent from other nationalities. Many are from Shan State and Kokang, plus those of Kunming descent. Fewer speak standard Mandarin from mainland China. There are also Myanmar people working as cooks and cleaners," they said.
Following the arrival of online scam operations in Payathonzu Pass, Chinese nationals began renting previously hard-to-sell properties. Since November 2024, rental rates for these spaces have reached 3,000 Thai Baht per month or higher.
Currently, rental and property purchase prices in the town have surged due to the infllux of online scam operations. Monthly rents are now reaching up to 10,000 Thai Baht.
"If you ask the town's residents about their main problem, they'll say the town is ruined—all its systems have collapsed. Houses that once rented for 500 Baht now cost around 10,000 Baht, or about 15 lakh Myanmar Kyats just for rent. We're also afraid of anyone carrying guns; we don't know which group they belong to," said the source.
Furthermore, numerous casino businesses have been established and are currently operating within Payathonzu Pass township, accompanied by an increase in the number of foreign sex workers.