Myawady Township in Kayin State lies along the Myanmar–Thailand border and is a strategically important area on the India-Myanmar-Thailand Asian Highway. Most Kayin armed groups operate and maintain bases in this region. In 2015, Kayin armed organizations such as the DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, and the KNU signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). As stability improved following the agreement, development activities were carried out in the area. However, during this peace-making period, the KNU took advantage of the situation and, citing various pretexts, launched the Shwe Kokko project in the Brigade 7 area in 2016. It was also found that in 2017, the Chongkhaed Garden Resort casino project was initiated in Chongkhaed village, and in early 2020, the KK Park project was launched in the Maethawtalay area under Brigade 6.
According to reports, KNU leaders have unlawfully exercised their authority by leasing state-owned land under long-term contracts and renting it out to foreign nationals. They also collected payments to provide protection for illegal casinos and other criminal activities. Most of the foreign nationals who settled in this area came from Sihanoukville, Cambodia – a city known for its casino industry. When gambling businesses in Sihanoukville expanded rapidly, criminal activity increased as well. Locals, who lacked language skills, faced difficulties in earning a livelihood, and the entire city became dominated by foreigners. Along with the casinos, local people also experienced unlawful abuse and coercion by mafia groups. Because of these experiences, local Kayin communities feared that Myawady would become another Sihanoukville. Therefore, they opposed these projects and refused to accept the gambling businesses. It was also reported that during the KNU Congress held in April 2023, participants called for action against KNU leaders who were allegedly involved with crime syndicates and online scam groups operating in Shwe Kokko, Chongkhaed, and KK Park. Although the KNU formed an investigation team, the probe was described as merely superficial. No findings were transparently released to the public, and no accountability measures were taken. Based on these circumstances, it has become increasingly apparent that KNU leaders are closely involved in the illegal online fraud and gambling operations taking place in the Myawady region.
The Myanmar government
did not authorize or approve the expansion of illegal buildings now seen in the
Myawady area. The origin of these operations traces back to the Shwe Kokko
project, which began in 2017. The Shwe Kokko project was developed as the Myanmar–Thai
Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone by Yatai International Holding Group in
partnership with Chit Linn Myaing Company. Preparations for the project had
already begun around 2016, during which discussions were reportedly held with
the then Kayin State Chief Minister under the NLD government. It is understood
that in April 2017, the developers sought approval from the Myanmar Investment
Commission (MIC). The Commission stated that the project proposal submitted to
them did not include any plans to build casinos. MIC approved only 25.5 acres
for the project. By early 2019, residents reported that construction had
expanded far beyond the authorized areas. As a result, the NLD government at
that time formed an investigation committee in August 2019. Following this
inquiry, the project’s operations were temporarily suspended. This issue was
raised during the 17th regular session of the Second Pyithu Hluttaw, when the
representative from Myawady constituency submitted a question about the
project. In response, the Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic
Relations, U Bharat Singh, stated that approval had been granted in accordance
with the law for the construction of high-standard residential buildings on
25.5 acres of land. He added that if the project violated or failed to comply
with the required legal regulations, action would be taken under the Myanmar
Investment Commission Law. Later, it was found that individuals linked to
gambling businesses spread narratives claiming that the suspended project was
part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in an attempt to justify
continued operations. Because of this misinformation, the Chinese Embassy to
Myanmar clarified in July 2020, during Ambassador Chen Hai’s meeting with the
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, that the project was not part of the
BRI. It was also found that only the Shwe Kokko project had been partially
reported to the government, whereas the other projects, such as Chongkhaed and
KK Park, were never submitted for approval at all.
Another gambling
project, the Chongkhaed Garden Resort casino in Chongkhaed village, Myawady
Township, was reportedly initiated in 2017 by Sai Kyaw Hla, a Brig-Gen-level
leader of the KKO group. Investigations found that in November 2019, the
project signed an agreement with the Thailand-based Thai Chan Company to expand
into online gambling operations.
The KK Park project was
reportedly initiated in February 2020 under an agreement between the
KNU-affiliated Mulaei Ahlin Company and the Huanya International Holding Group,
with oversight from Thailand-based Trans Asia International Holding Group.
According to the agreement, Mulaei Ahlin provided assurances that the
signatures of the current KNU Chairman Saw Kwe Htoo Win and Saw Roger Khin,
head of the KNU Defence Department, were included. Investigations also found
that Mulaei Ahlin Company is owned by Saw Doe Soe Johnny, the eldest son of
KNLA Chief of Staff Saw Johnny. On the ground, the project is reportedly
managed by his batmen Saw Win Kyaw and Saw Kyaw Thu.
After February 2021,
amid political situations, it was reported that illegal construction was being
expanded in these areas, taking advantage of the country’s security situation.
Materials and basic supplies for these buildings were reportedly imported via
Thailand, and foreign-owned companies were involved in supervising the
operations. Satellite imagery from 2021 to 2025 clearly shows the extent of the
construction and expansion in the area. Starting in February 2023, the Kayin
State government instructed authorities to monitor and prevent further illegal
construction. Local administrative bodies implemented these directives, filing
lawsuits against individuals holding Form-7 land-use certificates who were
building illegally, and revoked their land-use rights according to proper
procedures.
Illegal criminal
activities cannot be carried out in areas under the direct administration of
the Myanmar government that are stable and secure. On 27 March 2021, the KNU
reportedly attacked and seized the Thimuhta security outpost in Papun Township,
under Brigade 5, violating the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and
destabilizing the region. KNU Brigade 6 reportedly conducted violent protests
within the country, accepted fleeing youths for military training, and
cooperated with NUG-affiliated militant groups to arm PDF fighters. On 5 April
2024, KNU and PDF forces jointly attacked and seized the town of
Thingan-Nyinaung, while armed militants took control of the Asian Highway
between Kawkareik and Thingan-Nyinaung. Throughout the Kayin State border regions,
KNU and allied militant groups reportedly engaged in battles against security
and administrative forces, deliberately undermining local stability. Through
these operations, KNU-controlled areas reportedly became zones where armed
groups collected protection fees and facilitated illegal online gambling and
other criminal enterprises, operating outside the law.
As part of its national
responsibility, the government has aimed to eliminate illegal online gambling
operations. In line with this objective, in July 2025, government security
forces regained control of the Kyondoe-Kawkareik section of the Asian Highway,
which had been temporarily controlled by armed groups. By September 2025, they
also restored control over the Kawkareik-Thingan-Nyinaung section, at
significant risk and effort to the lives of security personnel. KNU and allied
armed groups had reportedly used illicit revenue, manpower, and financial
resources to undermine regional stability and the rule of law. Tatmadaw
conducted difficult military operations to counter these activities and restore
order. On 19 October 2025, government forces regained full control over the
border areas, including Lawkaekaw, enabling effective.
Foreign nationals who
crossed into Myanmar through illegal routes from Thailand and carried out
criminal activities, including online gambling, have been continuously arrested
and detained, with arrangements made to transfer them to their respective countries.
From 5 October to 26 November 2025, a total of 68,582 foreign nationals from 52
countries were repatriated. To prevent the re-establishment of online gambling
and other criminal activities in the Myawady region, illegal buildings have
been systematically demolished and cleared. In the KK Park area alone, 256
structures have been destroyed to date, with 379 remaining structures scheduled
for demolition. The ongoing crackdown on online gambling operations has led
KNLA and PDF-affiliated terrorist groups to stage attacks and disrupt security
across Myawady, Laekaekaw, and surrounding areas. Between 31 October and 26
November 2025, 25 clashes occurred, during which some security personnel lost
their lives. Despite these challenges, the government continues its efforts to
eliminate illegal criminal operations. In addition, stronghold structures are
being demolished to ensure that online gambling cannot resume. Land is being
levelled, mines dismantled, and river sources blocked as part of these
operations.
Based on statements
from detained foreign nationals, it has been confirmed that they entered
Myanmar from Thailand, as previously reported. Numerous similar statements have
been collected by authorities. Detaining these individuals until their
governments collect them is a significant responsibility, as the state must
provide all daily necessities, including food, drinking water, bathing water,
clothing, and bedding. For food alone, the minimum daily cost per person is
approximately K15,000. From 10 December 2024 to 22 November 2025, over K1.33
billion (K1,336,050,000) was spent to cover these expenses. The government is
acting in this way to uphold the country’s dignity and sovereignty. Authorities
have also urged the respective foreign governments to promptly collect their
citizens. However, some foreign media have exploited the situation to create
disruptions and launch media attacks against the government, requiring
vigilance. Meanwhile, the United States has announced the establishment of a
Scam Centre Strike Force (SCSF) to protect its citizens from online scams.
Additionally, discussions have been held in the US House of Representatives
about intervening in Myanmar to help combat online fraud and gambling
operations. The government views these actions as interference and
destabilizing attempts.
Meanwhile, a statement
and demand were reportedly issued by the KNU terrorist group regarding an
incident that occurred on 25 November in the Phalu (Minletpan) area. The
statement accused the group under the name DKBA; here, the terminology KKO/DKBA
will be used. In April 2012, the DKBA formed the Kloh Htoo Baw Karen
Organization (KKO), with Mahn Robert Zan as chairman and Saw Mo Shay as
vice-chairman. At its founding, the statement noted that KKO recognized the
Karen National Union (KNU) as its parent organization. Analysis of the militant
KNU’s statement indicates that they have detailed insider knowledge of those
involved in the Phalu (Minletpan) area. This suggests direct KNU involvement.
However, a comparison between the statement and actual developments on the
ground shows discrepancies. Satellite imagery shows that the Phalu and
Minletpan areas, where the incident occurred, are located just south of KNU’s
KK Park. Before 2024, there were no structures in this area. Construction began
in 2024. At that time, as noted earlier, KNU and allied militant groups were
engaged in clashes across the Kayin State border areas, meaning government
security and administrative forces were not present in the region. In paragraph
2 on page 1 of the KNU statement, it claims that KNU forces cleared the area
where DKBA units were stationed and attacking, with at least 230 DKBA personnel
disarmed, allowing KNU to take control of the base. In reality, around 2:00 pm
on 21 November 2025, some KNU and PDF terrorists arrived in Minletpan village
in three vehicles. Consider this carefully: if the DKBA/KKO members in
Minletpan were genuine adversaries, would they openly arrive in vehicles like
that? Upon reaching the gate secured by KKO, they reportedly called Saw Phar
Htee, a Major from KKO, asking him to hand over weapons. Saw Phar Htee
reportedly told them that he was not responsible for the area and that Saw Kyaw
Ko Min (aka) Thakhwathee was in charge, urging them not to arrest anyone.
Despite this, the KNU/PDF forces claimed that they were acting on orders from
KNU headquarters and seized 170 weapons and some KKO members. During this
operation, the KNU/PDF reportedly contacted KKO leadership, requesting that Saw
Kyaw Ko Min be handed over, since he was not found in Minletpan. KKO leadership
also reportedly communicated with KNU to negotiate the release of the captured
KKO members. By 24 November, DKBA/KKO reportedly handed over Saw Kyaw Ko Min to
the KNU’s request. On the same day, a public notice stated that any foreign
nationals found being transported within the area would be detained. Overall,
these events indicate that the Minletpan incident was fully known to KNU and
that they were directly involved in it.
In paragraph 2 of page
2 of the KNU terrorist group’s statement, it says that KNU forces continue to
operate security in the area due to ongoing attacks Tatmadaw and supporting
units, and KNU maintains responsibility for security in the surrounding area.
In reality, our security forces are conducting operations in KK Park and Shwe
Kokko. KNU terrorists have attacked these areas, causing small-scale clashes.
There are two main reasons why KNU issues such misleading statements. First,
they want to silence people in Minletpan who know their internal operations. If
these people are silenced, clashes could occur, which they can use as an
excuse. Second, they aim to hide their own failures and shift blame onto other
groups. Evidence of this is on page 3 of the statement, which says that on 25
November that early in the morning, hundreds of Scam workers, fearing drone
attacks, tried to flee the compound. Sounds of fighting and shadows of workers
clashing inside the buildings were observed. In reality, around 5:30 am on 25
November, foreign nationals held by the KNU in Minletpan illegally protested by
burning their clothing to demand they not be detained. The KNU/PDF reportedly
opened fire, causing injuries and potential fatalities among some foreign
nationals. This is documented in the photographic evidence we have obtained. At
7:30 pm on the same day, a total of 674 foreign nationals – 635 Chinese, 23
Laotians, and 16 Vietnamese – reportedly arrived on the Thai side of the
Thaungyin River near Mekokine village, Mae Sot of Thailand. On the same night,
about 20 foreign nationals, believed to be involved in local mining operations,
were reportedly seized by KNU/PDF along with four vehicles carrying about 100
fuel barrels and cash-filled fireproof containers. Further information may
still emerge. Based on these events, it is clear what the KNU terrorists are
doing.
From the time we first
began tracking these online scams and gambling operations, we have been
actively conducting investigations and arrests in collaboration with
neighbouring friendly countries, as well as coordinating with regional
countries. Operations are ongoing across the national territory in a systematic
manner. According to information obtained, during the period from 24 to 26
November of this month, operations were carried out near Mongnawng, Kehsi
Township, Shan State (South). During these operations, 28 foreign nationals and
eight Myanmar nationals engaged in online scam and gambling were apprehended
along with buildings, vehicles, related equipment, and five small firearms. The
Government of Myanmar has never authorized these online scam and gambling
businesses or other criminal enterprises. Using Myanmar’s sovereign territory
to commit crimes against friendly countries, neighbouring countries, or the
international community is completely unacceptable. Myanmar emphasizes that
these online scam gambling operations, which pose threats globally, are being
actively eliminated from the country’s land and waters, with measures to
completely dismantle their operations at the root.
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar
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