Shwe Kokko: A Glitzy Mirage or a Scam-infested Mirage?

MMMyanmar|

In Myanmar's Karen State, the city of Shwe Kokko, also known as Golden Raintree, has emerged from the backdrop of civil war to become a controversial hub accused of fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking. Built by entrepreneur She Zhijiang, who is currently jailed in Bangkok awaiting extradition to China, Shwe Kokko presents itself as a luxury resort but faces claims of operating a scam economy.

According to BBC's Jonathan Head, despite promotional videos showcasing the city's high-rises intended for wealthy tourists, locals assert that scams remain prevalent. Reports indicate that workers from various regions are coerced into fraudulent operations, further exacerbating the area’s tarnished reputation. The ongoing civil unrest complicates investment prospects, while Thailand has intensified measures to combat cross-border crimes, jeopardizing Shwe Kokko's potential as a tourist attraction.

Yatai, the company behind the town's development, maintains that it is striving to dissociate from illegal activities. Nonetheless, experts like Jason Tower from the United States Institute for Peace remain skeptical, indicating that without substantial legal structure or oversight, Shwe Kokko is likely to continue its dubious operations.

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