Myawaddy scam compounds dismantled after regional crackdown, but criminal networks remain active

From late 2025 to early 2026, unprecedented pressure on scam-center operations across the Mekong region led to the dismantling of physical compounds in Myawaddy, Myanmar. However, the criminal networks behind them remain active, according to a joint report by the Thai Civil Rights and Investigative Journalism (TCIJ) and Prachatai.

The report confirms that while the visible infrastructure of these scam centers—often located just across the Thai border—has been cleared out following a sustained regional crackdown, the syndicates themselves have not been eradicated.

What this means for you

For expats and residents in Thailand, the primary takeaway is that regional scam operations have adapted rather than disappeared. Because the underlying networks remain active, you should continue to exercise high caution regarding unsolicited calls, messages, and investment opportunities.

Key details from the report include:

• Compounds dismantled: Physical scam centers in Myawaddy were cleared following intense pressure from late 2025 to early 2026.
• Networks survive: The criminal organizations running these operations are still functioning despite losing their primary bases.
• Regional scope: The crackdown involved coordinated pressure across the broader Mekong region.

As these syndicates adapt to the loss of their Myawaddy compounds, residents in Thailand should remain vigilant against evolving digital and telecommunication scams.