ANN/THE NATION – Most Thais back a proposal to cut electricity supply to areas in Myanmar suspected of housing call-centre scam operations, according to a survey released yesterday.
The survey, conducted by the Super Poll of Mahidol University’s Faculty of Public Health, polled 1,143 respondents nationwide.
The proposal was initially suggested by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as a means to disrupt criminal networks operating across the border.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose ministry oversees the Provincial Electricity Authority, confirmed that he had consulted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the feasibility of the measure. However, both the prime minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai have yet to respond.
It said 81.1 per cent of the respondents supported the proposal to cut electricity supply to call-centre gangs while 18.9 per cent disagreed.
The Super Poll added that 85.7 per cent of the respondents also supported Anutin’s plan to tighten law enforcement along the border while 14.3 per cent disagreed.
When asked for their opinions on the proposal to cut off electricity supply to call-centre gangs (more than one answer could be given): 55.3 per cent – The measure can effectively halt transborder crimes; 52.8 per cent – More measures should be added, including seeking cooperation from neighbouring countries and attacking networks of call-centre gangs with IT tools; 44.4 per cent – Government agencies should be more united in fighting transborder gangs; 43.9 per cent – Set up a special agency to monitor electricity use in suspicious areas; and 13.7 per cent – Cutting off electricity supply could affect Thais and businesses along the border.
