Hsu/ Yoon (NSS) – Dec 1 

Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that cyber scams are the root cause of complicated consequences in Laukkai.

Senior General addressed it during the State Administration Council meeting No. 6/2023 at the SAC Chairman’s Office in Naypyidaw on 29th November.

He said, “The current complication in the Laukkai region of Shan State (North) was triggered by online gambling”. 

Drug trafficking and gambling have persisted in this region for many years. When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, transportation delays occurred, and these conditions have led to a surge in online gambling.

“Skilled persons and supporting staff were hired for their online gambling industry, resulting in an influx of illegal foreigners into Laukkai region.”, he said. 

As a result, these illegal foreign citizens are being transferred.  A total of 43,709 have already been deported, while there are still individuals awaiting to be transferred.

Starting on 27 October, the Northern Alliance of MNDAA, TNLA, AA initiated their attack at the security outposts of the Myanmar Military in northern Shan State with disproportionate forces, and the hostilities are intensifying. 

As a consequence of the intense armed conflicts, transportation has been severely disrupted, resulting in shortages of goods and commodities that, in turn, have driven a surge in market prices.

Furthermore, following the MNDAA's announcement to raid Laukkai, 80 percent of the residents in Laukkai are forced to displace and evacuate their homes.