Sun Nov 09 07:32:39 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article suitable for The Hindu’s e-Paper on November 9, 2025.
Summary:
The Myanmar military is reportedly demolishing nearly 150 buildings in the K.K. Park compound, a notorious internet scam center located near the Thai border. This action, according to the junta, includes structures like dormitories, a hospital, and entertainment facilities. The compound was raided last month, revealing over 2,000 scammers. While the military claims progress in dismantling the complex, verification is difficult, and locals report explosions. Experts believe the crackdown is a carefully managed response to international pressure, particularly from China, which is concerned about its citizens being targeted by these scams. However, fully dismantling the scam operations could harm the financial interests of militias that support the junta in the ongoing civil war. Previous efforts, including repatriations and internet blockades, have had limited success, with scam centers adapting by using Starlink satellite internet.
News Article:
Myanmar Junta Claims Demolition of Internet Scam Compound Amidst International Pressure
Yangon, Myanmar – The Myanmar military announced on Sunday the demolition of nearly 150 buildings within the K.K. Park compound, a notorious hub for internet scams located near the Thai border. According to a report in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, the structures being razed include dormitories, a four-story hospital, and a two-story karaoke complex, reflecting the lavish amenities provided for those involved in the illicit operations.
This action follows a raid last month on K.K. Park, where authorities reportedly discovered over 2,000 individuals engaged in scam activities, resulting in 1,500 people fleeing across the border into Thailand. The military stated that 101 buildings have already been destroyed, with the remaining 47 currently being demolished. AFP has been unable to independently verify these claims, but local sources report hearing explosions near the K.K. Park compound.
Experts suggest the military’s actions are likely a carefully calibrated response to mounting international pressure, especially from China. Beijing has reportedly grown increasingly concerned over the widespread scams targeting its citizens. However, any large action against the scam centers risks disrupting the revenues flowing to militias that are key allies of the junta in the ongoing civil war.
Past attempts to curb the internet scam operations, including a highly publicized repatriation of 7,000 workers and a cross-border internet blockade by Thailand, have seen limited success. The scam centers have proven resilient, as evidenced by the widespread adoption of Starlink satellite internet to circumvent the internet cut-off. Following a report by AFP, Starlink parent company SpaceX has reportedly cut service to over 2,500 satellite internet terminals in the region. The initial raids on K.K. Park were announced on October 19th, weeks after the original AFP report highlighted the expansion of these compounds despite previous attempts to shut them down.
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