Myanmar Army ‘Moved Border Scams’ on Eve of Min Aung Hlaing’s Thai Trip

Just before putschist president Min Aung Hlaing traveled to Thailand to pledge joint action against border scams, pro‑regime Karen militias began quietly relocating thousands of Chinese nationals from compounds along the Moei River deeper into Myanmar, according to eyewitnesses.

During his trip last week, Min Aung Hlaing agreed to cooperate with Bangkok in combating scam operations along the border. Yet ahead of the visit, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) had moved scam operations from Falu and Kyauk Khet into the interior of Karen State.

The relocation came after regime peace negotiator Lt-Gen Yar Pyae met with DKBA commanders in Naypyitaw on July 9, purportedly “warning” them to distance themselves from scam operations.