NDSC Spokesperson warns of exile media of exploiting online scam case to attack government
373
Phyo (NP News)-Nov 30
It is learned from the statement of Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) that as illegal online scam businesses are entering Myanmar, destructive media groups are exploiting the situation to cause disorder in the country and are using the media to attack the government, so caution is needed.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun stated that the government has taken the issue of online scam and gambling operations as a national duty and aims to eliminate them entirely. In line with that objective, despite the area being temporarily controlled by criminal groups, government security forces were able to regain control of the Kyondoe–Kawkareik section of the Asia Highway by July 2025, and also the Kawkareik–Thin Gan Nyi Naung section by September, with the sacrifice of the lives and blood of security personnel.
He stated that after that, on October 19, Tatmadaw had regained control of areas along the border, including Lay Kay Kaw, and had re-established territorial administration in the Myawaddy region.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun stated that the Myawaddy region of Kayin State is located along the Thailand–Myanmar border and is a key area on the India–Myanmar–Thailand trilateral Asia Highway. Most of the armed groups in Kayin State are based and active in this region. In 2015, armed groups including the DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, and KNU signed the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement), which brought relative stability to the area and enabled local development projects.
During this period of peacebuilding, in 2016, some armed groups took advantage of the situation to pursue their own agendas. The KNU initiated the Shwe Kokko project in its military command 7 area, and in 2017, the Chongkhaed Garden Resort casino project was launched in Kyauk Khat village. By early 2020, the KK Park project was also initiated in the KNU’s military command 6 area, Mehtawthalay, according to Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun.
He explained that on March 27, 2021, the KNU launched an attack and seized the local security post at Theemoohta in Hpapun Township, violating the NCA and creating instability in the region. He added that under Military Command 6, the KNU also carried out violent protests, recruited and trained fleeing youths, and collaborated with NUG-affiliated armed groups, even arming PDF insurgents. On April 5, 2024, KNU and PDF forces jointly attacked and captured Thin Gan Nyi Naung town, while insurgents also took control of the Asia Highway between Kawkareik and Thin Gan Nyi Naung.
In addition, with such actions, the state's security and administrative institutions have been removed from KNU-controlled areas. In these territories, insurgent groups have been collecting fees and providing protection for ongoing online scam and gambling operations, as well as other illegal activities, effectively acting outside the law.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun stated that after regaining control of the Myawaddy region, authorities carried out operations to dismantle illegal and insurgent activities, resulting in the arrest of numerous foreign nationals. According to the statements of the detained foreigners, they entered Myanmar via Thailand, and these cases have also been reported,
From October 5, 2023, to November 26, 2025, a total of 68,582 foreign nationals from 52 countries were repatriated. Authorities have also urged for the remaining foreign nationals awaiting repatriation to be promptly called back by their respective countries.
He stated, “It is a tremendous task to detain these foreign nationals until their governments come to collect them. The state has to provide all daily necessities, including food, drinking water, water for other uses, clothing, and bedding. For just the daily meals alone, it costs at least 15,000 kyats per person per day. From December 10, 2024, to November 22, 2025, a total of 1,336,050,000 kyats were spent. The government is carrying out these measures to uphold the country’s dignity. We also urge the relevant countries to promptly send officials to bring back their citizens.”
Therefore, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun informed that the corrupt media is working to tarnish the image of Myanmar without knowing the true situation.
He stated, “Destructive media are taking advantage of this situation to carry out disruptive activities and launch media attacks against the government, so caution is needed. The United States has reportedly formed the Scam Center Strike Force (SCSF) to protect its citizens from online fraud, and in the lower house of Congress, there have also been discussions on Myanmar-related issues, including calls to intervene in efforts to curb online scams and gambling. We view these actions as attempts to interfere and stir unrest.”—