KK Park and Shwe Kokko scam compound buildings demolished in Myawaddy as regional crackdown intensifies

Buildings at KK Park and Shwe Kokko—two of the most notorious scam compounds in Myawaddy, Myanmar, located just across the border from Mae Sot, Thailand—are being demolished.

According to a recent report by Prachatai, this physical dismantling follows an unprecedented surge in pressure on the scam industry across the Mekong region spanning late 2025 into early 2026.

However, the destruction of these facilities does not mean the end of the syndicates. The report notes that scammers are not disappearing, but are instead shifting their operations to new locations following the crackdown.

Implications for Expats and Border Travelers

While this crackdown is happening on the Myanmar side of the border, it has practical implications for those living in or traveling through Thailand, particularly near the western border.

• Border security: Expect heightened scrutiny and potential disruptions at the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border crossing as Thai authorities monitor the movement of displaced scam operators and potential victims.
• Travel caution: If you are planning visa runs or travel near the Tak province border, stay updated on local security advisories. The fallout from the Myawaddy crackdown could cause localized instability or sudden changes in border checkpoint operations.
• Scam tactics: Because the syndicates are relocating rather than shutting down entirely, expats should remain vigilant against online and phone scams, which may evolve as operators establish new bases.

We will continue to monitor how this regional crackdown affects Thai immigration enforcement and border policies.