Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) announced today its readiness to halt electricity supply to certain Myanmar border towns if activities in those areas pose a threat to national security.
Speaking at a press conference, PEA Deputy Governors Pradit Fuangfoo and Prasit Junprasit addressed public demands to cease power supply to these locations, which have been linked to scam operations. They cited a 1996 cabinet resolution that allows the PEA to provide electricity to border towns in neighboring countries through subsidiaries and sub-contractors with concessions granted by the Myanmar government.
Currently, electricity is supplied to five key areas: Ban Jedi Sam Ong in Mon State via Mya Pan Investment and Manufacturing Company Limited; Ban Muang Daeng and the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Shan State, both through Allure Group (P&E) Co., Ltd; the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Karen State via Nyi Naung Oo Co., Ltd and Enova Grid Enterprise (Myanmar) Co., Ltd; and Ban Huay Muang in Myawaddy through Shwe Myint Thaung Yinn Industry & Manufacturing Co., Ltd (SMTY).
Pradit emphasized that the PEA will suspend power supply if subsidiaries or contractors fail to meet obligations such as paying electricity fees, providing contract collateral, or ensuring the supply does not compromise national security. The authority, however, awaits a formal decision from the Thai government and security officials to proceed with any termination.
Prasit revealed that discussions with Thai security authorities are scheduled for early February, though he expressed uncertainty about whether the upcoming meetings will deliver a resolution.
