China has urged Thailand to maintain its suspension of electricity, fuel, and internet services to five regions in Myanmar, including Myawaddy, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle online scam operations. 

This request follows Thailand's initial action on February 5, when it cut off these utilities to disrupt scam centers operating along the Thai-Myanmar border. The coordinated crackdown involves China, Thailand, and Myanmar, aiming to combat fraudulent activities that have victimized individuals worldwide. 

Chinese Assistant Minister for Public Security, Liu Zhongyi, has been actively involved in these efforts, recently touring the Thai-Myanmar border to assess the situation. During his visit, Liu apologized to Thai officials for any concerns regarding sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of collaborative measures in combating these illicit operations. 

Chinese Deputy Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi has sent four points to tackle online fraud on the Myanmar side, Thai PBS reported, citing Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Thanatip.

One of the four points is that the crackdown on online fraud is a success and China urges the process to be maintained.

The other points are that Myanmar has been asked to tighten border controls to prevent fraudsters from fleeing the country and to facilitate the repatriation of Chinese citizens, the report added.

Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Thanatip said that Chinese authorities have already put in place measures to tackle online fraud gangs based in Myanmar, the Bangkok Post reported.

China has also asked Thailand to host the first official meeting to discuss anti-fraud work, and Beijing has expressed its willingness to attend.

Despite the protests, China has asked the Thai government to suspend electricity, internet and fuel supplies to some border towns, Gen Thanat said.

“This measure has yielded tangible results and has won international recognition,” Chinese authorities quoted Gen Thanat as saying.

China will also send officials to screen Chinese nationals who have been trafficked and defrauded and oversee their repatriation from Myanmar to the Thai side until they can return to their country, the Bangkok Post reported.