Chonburi: Myanmar residents have surged to purchase generators and stockpile oil following Thailand's decision to cut electricity at five border points as a crackdown on transnational crime gangs and call centers.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai government's move to sever electricity, internet, and fuel transport links on the Thai-Myanmar border has led to widespread chaos. People from Myanmar are crossing into Thailand to buy generators and oil, resulting in long queues and a traffic jam extending over a kilometer, particularly noticeable at the Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai Province. Generator stores in the area are experiencing a boom in sales, with high demand reflected on social media platforms like the Tachilek People Community page.
The situation is similarly chaotic at the Thai-Myanmar border in Kanchanaburi Province. The power cut has disrupted operations of a Chinese gray business group in Phayatongsu Town. At a local checkpoint, ten Thai women were found waiting for transport back home after the entertainment venue they worked at was forced to close due to the power outage.
In Paya Tong Su, residents have been filling up their vehicles with petrol in large numbers, causing diesel prices to surge from 35 baht to 60 baht per liter. There are concerns that fuel supplies may run out soon. Despite the disruptions, the trade of consumer goods across the border continues unaffected, as most products are still being imported and exported as usual, according to local business operators.
The five locations affected by the power cut include key electricity trading points in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai Province, and the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridges. The total power cut amounts to 20.37 megawatts, valued at 50 million baht monthly. These cuts were personally overseen by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, at the Provincial Electricity Authority Headquarters. Additionally, internet signals and fuel deliveries to these border points have also been halted.
Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, has expressed his commitment to enforcing the National Security Council's resolution to cease oil deliveries at these critical junctions. Reports indicate that no oil has been sent from Thai companies to these areas in the past month.
Meanwhile, Myanmar's Tachileik News Agency has reported plans to mitigate the power cuts by sourcing electricity from Laos for the Tachileik area. The city electricity department has preemptively set up new power lines to ensure a smooth transition to the alternate power source, indicating preparedness for the current crisis.