Authorities have uncovered large-scale illegal telephone and internet signal transmission cables in Tak's Mae Sot district, which they believe were used to provide internet services to call centre scam gangs operating across the border in Myanmar.
The bust was announced in a statement released by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) legal affairs commissioner, Pol Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn, and the director of Thailand's Action Taskforce for Information Technology Crime Suppression (Tactics), Pol Lt Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, yesterday.
According to the statement, local authorities recently uncovered 16 high-capacity cables that were used to carry internet and telephone signals across the border, calling it the largest bust of its kind to date.
An analysis carried out by NBTC experts found the high-capacity fibre-optic lines extended deep inside Myanmar territory, ending at a major cross-border economic zone that is known to host a high number of scammers.
According to Pol Gen Nathathorn, the crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to eliminate unauthorised cable installations along the Thai-Myanmar border.
He said the illegal use of transmission lines is a violation of Section 67 of the Telecommunications Business Operation Act, and offenders face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 10 million baht.
Pol Lt Gen Thatchai said law enforcement agencies will continue to work closely with the NBTC to dismantle and seize illegal transmission equipment.
According to him, authorities have also seized over 101,000 Thai-registered SIM cards, SIM boxes and related devices used for fraudulent activities.
