The satellite network service "Starlink" under Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), founded by Elon Musk, was initially intended to provide better internet connectivity to remote areas. However, it has recently been found to be used in telecommunications fraud in Southeast Asia, especially in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar. Starlink operates in at least eight online fraud parks in the region, providing continuous connectivity to areas originally subject to power and network blockades, posing significant obstacles to law enforcement's anti-crime efforts.
According to comprehensive reports from foreign media, Myanmar has long experienced unstable network issues, making Starlink one of the few feasible internet solutions for businesses, rescue organizations, and even fraud groups.
According to estimates by the Myanmar Internet Project, there are over 3,000 Starlink devices actively in use locally. Therefore, even though the Myanmar government has cut off the network multiple times, Starlink devices have become the only real-time network source in certain areas, widely used by humanitarian organizations and insurgents.
Similar situations occur on the Thailand-Myanmar border. On February 5, the Thai government cut off power supplies to five sources serving Myawaddy casinos and fraud areas. Still, according to Thai media reports, these parks maintain operations through generators and solar equipment, relying on Starlink to stay connected, making blockade strategies ineffective.
Wired magazine in the United States pointed out that Starlink equipment is easily accessible online and can be smuggled into prohibited areas. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has also confirmed that specialized operators sell such equipment to remote scam parks.
In July 2024, California Deputy District Attorney West sent a letter to SpaceX's legal counsel, warning of the criminal abuse of Starlink by fraud groups, but received no response.
Local Governments Struggle to Effectively Block
West founded "Operation Shamrock," specifically fighting against so-called "pig butchering" long-term romance scams. West explained that a member of a fraud group once stated, "Just turn off Starlink, and all problems will be solved." However, because Starlink's network spills over international coverage, local governments struggle to effectively block it. She was also one of the observers who visited the border in February, witnessing firsthand the use of Starlink devices in fraud parks.
Thai opposition party congressman Rom expressed concern about this. In February, he tagged Elon Musk on the X platform, publicly pointing out evidence showing Starlink is being used in large-scale fraud operations in the region, and urged Musk to address the issue.
As SpaceX expands its operations locally, this controversy is also escalating. On February 20, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met with Starlink's marketing director, Reihunt, to discuss the feasibility of satellite network expansion into the country.
Experts Watch Cambodia's Use of Starlink
However, according to the USAID statistics, over 150,000 people in Cambodia are already involved in the scam industry. Experts worry that if Starlink becomes widespread locally, it may follow Myanmar's experience.
Starlink has already been licensed to operate in Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Vietnam also approved SpaceX's five-year trial plan in March 2025. Thailand has not officially issued a license, but its National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has approved a trial project in collaboration with Prince of Songkla University, covering disaster relief and telemedicine fields. Indonesia issued a license in May 2023, but showed reservations regarding SpaceX's investment of only $180,000 in funds and technology.
Indonesian local businesses such as Telkom and the Indonesian Association of Internet Service Providers have criticized this, believing that Starlink threatens industry autonomy and even demanded the government suspend the company's license.
Although Starlink's residential service costs IDR 750,000 (approximately MYR 194) per month, a price twice as high as the local rate, it may still dominate the market through future price reductions and mobile services, putting local businesses under competitive pressure.
Muliaman, a lecturer in International Relations at Indonesian Christian University, said Starlink's lack of investment in human resources and infrastructure makes it possible to gain a foothold in the market through price wars, making it a