Thailand to Arrest Myanmar Warlord in Shwe Kokko Crime Crackdown
Bangkok—Thai authorities have vowed to arrest Myanmar warlord Colonel Saw Chit Thu, leader of the junta-aligned Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), should he enter Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reiterated this commitment on Wednesday, emphasizing Thailand’s determination to dismantle the sprawling transnational crime network operating out of Shwe Kokko township, near Myawaddy in Myanmar’s Kayin state, across the border from Thailand’s Tak province.
Shwe Kokko has become notorious as a hub for illicit activities, including human trafficking, online scams, and other criminal enterprises. The BGF, an 8,000-strong force under Colonel Saw Chit Thu’s command, controls the area. Analysts describe the BGF as having no particular political allegiance, driven primarily by the substantial profits generated from these criminal operations.
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is pursuing an arrest warrant for Colonel Saw Chit Thu and two other high-ranking BGF officers. The charges focus on transnational human trafficking, and Mr. Phumtham confirmed sufficient evidence exists to justify the warrant. He underscored that the legal process is being meticulously followed.
While committed to tackling this cross-border criminal activity, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged limitations imposed by national sovereignty. Direct action within Myanmar is not an option, as it would violate international law. However, Mr. Phumtham unequivocally stated that Colonel Saw Chit Thu and his associates will face immediate arrest if they enter Thailand. Reports suggest the BGF leader may be in northern Thailand, and authorities are actively investigating these claims.
In a telephone interview with Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) News, Colonel Saw Chit Thu denied involvement in Shwe Kokko’s criminal activities. He claimed that foreign nationals involved entered Myanmar voluntarily and that Thailand is fully aware of their entry routes. He further stated the BGF’s willingness to hand over any foreign nationals if requested by Thai authorities.
This denial has been met with skepticism in Thailand. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, responded to Colonel Saw Chit Thu’s statements by emphasizing the duty of Thai authorities to rigorously enforce the law, regardless of the BGF’s claims. The situation highlights the complex challenges Thailand faces in addressing cross-border crime emanating from Myanmar. The Thai government is balancing its commitment to upholding the law and protecting its citizens with the need to respect its neighbor’s sovereignty. The pursuit of an arrest warrant for a powerful figure like Colonel Saw Chit Thu represents a significant escalation in Thailand’s efforts to dismantle this criminal network and could have far-reaching regional implications. The potential influx of freed victims from these scam centers poses another significant challenge for Thai authorities, further highlighting the multifaceted nature of this cross-border crisis.
