Cyber-scam syndicates operating in Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA)-controlled areas south of Myawaddy have abandoned satellite-based Starlink connections in favor of fiber-optic cables routed directly from Myawaddy, according to local sources.
Despite announcements by Thai authorities that border telecommunications lines had been severed to suppress illicit operations—locally known as Zhapian businesses—the criminal rings continue to maintain high-speed internet access along the Thai-Myanmar border.
When scam compounds initially relocated into remote, mountainous DKBA territory south of Myawaddy, they lacked basic phone or internet infrastructure.
Operators relied heavily on Starlink satellite devices, paying inflated black-market prices from 100,000 THB to 300,000 THB per unit—nearly ten times the standard retail price of around 30,000 THB.
However, operators began abandoning Starlink after device deactivations, service blockades, and severe bandwidth degradation were reported last month.
"Starlink isn’t reliable anymore. Even though monthly fees are paid, the connection can barely support two phones," a resident told KIC on condition of anonymity. "Scammers stopped buying Starlink units and switched back to cable internet from Myawaddy because the connection is far better. The cables now extend all the way to Mount Mulayit, where the scam rings relocated."
The internet cables are reportedly routed from Myawaddy through active conflict zones in southern Myawaddy Township, passing Sonseemyaing Village—the DKBA headquarters—before reaching scam compounds at the foot of Mount Mulayit.
Local speculation suggests the cables may cross through Thai territory to bypass severed lines on the Myanmar side, though KIC was unable to verify this claim independently.
Thai authorities have repeatedly pledged to cut electricity and telecommunications to border scam hubs, including the notorious Shwe Kokko complex.
However, enforcement on the ground remains porous, allowing syndicates to continually adapt and maintain connectivity.
