Chinese Cyber Scam Syndicates Thriving in New Locations Arranged by DKBA in Payathonsu

August 11, 2026

Chinese cyber scam syndicates are increasingly relocating their operations deep into the DKBA-controlled territory of Payathonsu (Three Pagodas Pass) in Myanmar, opposite Thailand’s Sangkhlaburi district. Due to smooth operational conditions, these illicit sites are now expanding toward villages along the road to Kyainseikgyi.

Informed sources report that as part of a decentralization strategy from Kyauk Khat village in Myawaddy, the syndicates are being relocated to areas under the control of DKBA Brigade 2 Commander Saw A-One in Payathonsu. These specific locations were chosen because they offer reliable access to water, electricity, and high speed internet.

“The compounds near the Bo A-One waterfall, Htee Laung Shu waterfall, and the 100-Pillar Monastery are now filled with Chinese nationals. They are currently building new sites in Htee Khaing and Kyein Chaung villages to distribute their personnel. As soon as a building is finished, workers are sent in, security is deployed, and all utilities, food, water, electricity, and internet are fully connected. Because everything is so convenient, the scam syndicates are eagerly moving here,” a local source detailed.

Furthermore, these scam operations are heavily supported by cross border smuggling. Smugglers from both Thailand and Myanmar supply the foreign workers with consumer goods, foreign liquor, medicine, and luxury items, ensuring the syndicates can operate seamlessly.

“With the arrival of the Chinese scam centers, the smuggling economy in Payathonsu is booming. Thai fuel, high-end food transported from Bangkok, alcohol, and luxury goods are being delivered smoothly through established connections. The workers just can’t go outside; everything else they want is provided right inside the compounds,” explained a driver who works at one of the scam sites.

These cyber scam operations are strategically shifting from the immediate Thai-Myanmar border into the secluded mountains, forests, and ravines of Karen State. The sites are heavily guarded by DKBA troops, who strictly prohibit local villagers from approaching or working near the areas.

Despite facing intense international pressure to dismantle these scam and human trafficking syndicates, the DKBA, a ceasefire group aligned with the military junta and the junta itself have taken no genuine enforcement actions. Aside from periodically deporting some foreign nationals through Thailand, authorities have failed to actively arrest or prosecute the operators running these massive criminal enterprises in Karen State.