Limitations occurred in Myanmar's actions regarding controversial KK Park
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NP News - Jan 27
According to a statement made to the Statesman Journal by Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson of the State Administration Council (SAC) government, there are limitations on the actions Myanmar can take regarding places like KK Park, which have gained a bad reputation in connection with online scams along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
It has been reported that on January 15, leaders of the Border Guard Force (BGF) and Chinese businessmen met at the BGF central command office, where they agreed on regulations prohibiting human trafficking, forced labor, extortion through kidnapping, child labor, and the use of online platforms for fraudulent activities.
Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun stated, “Regarding online gambling activities in the Myawady region, Myanmar is cooperating and conducting investigations in response to the information provided by China. However, due to the border situation, there are limitations. Another point is that most of the individuals involved are found to be coming from Thailand.”
He also stated that regarding border crossing issues, China has deployed representatives in Myanmar to carry out actions, and Myanmar police force is cooperating with them in compiling lists, tracking missing persons, and investigating suspicious individuals who have crossed the border.
He added, "Additionally, the Myanmar police force is coordinating with Chinese side to exchange information. The Chinese side is also investigating and coordinating based on the information they have received." He also mentioned that there have been previous instances of cooperation and coordination with Thailand.
He stated, “What is noteworthy is that, as mentioned earlier, most of these individuals are found to have crossed over from Thailand. Almost all of them appear to have come from Thailand.”
He also mentioned, “Places like KK Park have been engaged in illegal business activities for a long time, starting around 2015. We are aware and cautious about this. However, when it comes to actual operations, there are limitations on the ground. These areas are quite distinct in that they are outside the government's direct control, essentially being areas where the government's administrative mechanism does not fully apply.”
Major General Zaw Min Tun further added that these locations are also places where armed groups, including defected groups, ethnic armed organizations like the KNU (Karen National Union), and other militant groups, are operating and mixing together.
It has been reported that, during investigations into foreign nationals illegally entering Myanmar, most of them have crossed through neighbouring countries, including Thailand, and have entered Myanmar illegally to engage in work for personal gain.
It has been reported that, during the investigation of foreign nationals who have illegally entered Myanmar and are involved in online scams and online gambling. They were identified in border regions such as Laukkai, Muse, Tachileik, and Myawady, as well as other border areas. These individuals were repatriated to their respective countries. From October 5, 2023, to January 13, 2025, a total of 55,711 individuals from 31 countries were successfully repatriated to their respective countries. –