In a striking juxtaposition of modernity and chaos, the city of Shwe Kokko has emerged along the Thai-Myanmar border, presenting a façade of glistening high-rises amid a backdrop of ongoing civil strife. Once a barren landscape in Myanmar’s Karen State, this city has become notorious for its connections to scams, fraud, and human trafficking, raising alarms among authorities in both Myanmar and China.
Established in recent years, Shwe Kokko is the brainchild of She Zhijiang, a Chinese entrepreneur who aimed to create a luxurious resort city. However, the reality is far more sinister. The city has become a hub for illegal activities, drawing attention from law enforcement agencies due to its involvement in money laundering and human trafficking. She Zhijiang is currently imprisoned in Bangkok, awaiting extradition to China, while his company, Yatai, promotes Shwe Kokko as a safe haven for wealthy tourists.
The rapid development of Shwe Kokko began in 2017, transforming the area from a rural landscape into a bustling city. Despite the ambitious vision of its creators, the city has struggled to attract legitimate business and tourism. Reports indicate that the majority of visitors are local workers from the Karen ethnic group, rather than the affluent clientele Yatai envisioned. The company has attempted to distance itself from the ongoing scams by erecting billboards that proclaim a ban on forced labor and fraudulent operations. However, locals have reported that scam activities persist within the city.
Access to Shwe Kokko has become increasingly difficult, especially following the military coup in Myanmar in 2021. Journalists and visitors face numerous checkpoints and the risk of armed conflict when trying to reach the city. Despite the challenges, a recent visit by a BBC correspondent revealed a city that, while visually impressive, is still deeply intertwined with criminal enterprises.
The scams operating in Shwe Kokko have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, employing individuals from various countries under harrowing conditions. Many workers are reportedly kept in compounds, where they are coerced into defrauding victims globally. The operations have drawn the ire of the Chinese government, which is now intensifying efforts to curb fraud targeting its citizens.
Publicity surrounding these scams has negatively impacted tourism in Thailand, prompting the Thai government to take measures such as shutting down power to border compounds and tightening banking regulations. As a result, Shwe Kokko finds itself isolated, struggling to sustain its operations amidst a war-torn environment.
In a bid to improve its image, Yatai has invited media representatives to showcase the city, hoping positive coverage might lead to increased investment and tourism. However, many observers remain skeptical, noting that the allure of Shwe Kokko is overshadowed by its reputation as a scam city.
The future of Shwe Kokko hangs in the balance as authorities crack down on illegal activities along the border. With She Zhijiang’s imprisonment and the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar, the city faces an uncertain path. It remains to be seen whether Shwe Kokko can shed its dark past and evolve into the thriving metropolis its creators once envisioned or if it will continue to be a symbol of lawlessness in a region plagued by conflict.