Bangkok Post – Illegal internet cables found installed across Thai-Lao bridge [Video]

MUKDAHAN – Authorities have severed internet cables found to be illegally carrying services from Mukdahan province across the friendship bridge and about five kilometres deep into Laos.

The service was believed used by scam gangs based in Laos to deceive Thai victims into believing they were dealing with callers and businesses based in Thailand. 

National Broadcasting and Telecommunications commissioner Pol Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn told reporters the illegal cable link was discovered on Sunday.

The cables were strung across the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linking Mukdahan province and Savannakhet province in Laos across the Mekong River.

The cables were installed by a company the NBTC had licensed to provide telecommunications services only in Thailand, he said.

“NBTC officials used specialised equipment to examine the cables and found that they carried internet services about five kilometres deep into Lao soil. The internet service reached a big business district. It could cater to about 10,000 users at a time,” Pol Gen Nathathorn said.

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