On December 2nd, 2024, Thai police and related agencies inspected the Mae Sot border checkpoint in Tak after discovering an illegal cross-border fiber optic cable operation to Myanmar.


Thai officials found 16 fiber optic lines, including 216-core and 96-core cables, the largest of their kind ever intercepted in Thailand.


The cables spanned nearly 3 kilometers from power poles in Mae Sot along the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge No. 1, reaching Myawaddy, Myanmar. Authorities immediately cut the cables, disabling the signal network.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) revealed that the network supplied high-speed internet to “gray Chinese” criminal groups, particularly call center gangs, operating across the border.

The network reportedly supported operations over hundreds of square kilometers, ensuring stable internet connectivity for illicit activities.


The NBTC is investigating the companies behind the operation and will pursue criminal charges. Penalties include up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of 10 million baht.

Thailand Seizes Illegal Fiber Optic Cables Linked to Cross-Border Internet Scheme - The Pattaya News