On Sunday, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) announced that Chinese nationals involved in casinos and food businesses in Phaya Thonezu township, Kayin state, must leave the area by February twenty-eight.

This order follows a recent directive from the Thai government aimed at halting electricity, fuel, and internet services in five border regions of Myanmar to address online fraud activities that threaten national security.

According to Myanmar's Eleven Media Group, the intention behind this action is to minimize disturbances for local residents and to prevent the establishment of online fraud operations in Phaya Thonezu, which is adjacent to Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province.

Along with the exit order, the DKBA's statement noted that Chinese individuals will be prohibited from entering Phaya Thonezu township.

This announcement follows a previous directive from the DKBA Central Command Office, which mandated the permanent closure of all DKBA-operated gaming establishments and Our Day shops in and around Myawaddy, Kayin state, after an emergency meeting of the DKBA Central Executive Committee on January thirty-one.

The committee explained that the decision was made to safeguard the well-being of its members and their families.