The Destruction of a Notorious Myanmar Scam Compound Appears to Have Been 'Performative'

"High-resolution images of the KK Park scam compound, which is located near the Myanmar-Thailand border, show how military forces have razed multiple buildings to the ground, leaving piles of rubble remaining in their place. However, the images show the destruction is, so-far, only confined to the Eastern side of the gigantic compound-with hundreds of buildings across the vast compound being left untouched."

"Multiple experts tell WIRED that the raids at KK Park and some other scam compounds are likely part of a wider "performative" effort by Myanmar's military government, which has come under increasing pressure to tackle the highly lucrative scam compounds that have flourished in recent years. They also raise concerns about the welfare of thousands of people forced to run scams in KK Park."

High-resolution satellite images of the KK Park scam compound near the Myanmar–Thailand border show multiple buildings razed to the ground, leaving piles of rubble and debris. The destruction is confined to the eastern side of the compound, while hundreds of buildings across the vast site remain intact. The images were taken on November 16. Analysts describe the raids as likely performative and part of a propaganda effort by the military government. The limited razing raises concerns about the welfare of thousands of people forced to run scams and about whether the operation represents a real crackdown or a public-relations action.

Read at WIRED