Three Pagoda Pass residents receive phone signal back but no access to mobile data

July 8, 2025

HURFOM: Since the second week of March, 2025, the military junta has cut off the telecommunication network in Three Pagoda Pass Town, Kyarinnseikyi Township, Karen State. After three months, on June 29^th, the mostly used ATOM phone service has returned back but it is only a 2G signal and there is no access to mobile/cellular data.

“The phone signal has only 2G so we can’t use the Internet. The Burmese phone signal is very weak. We have to make three or four attempts to even make a phone call,” said a resident from Three Pagoda Pass.

Even though mobile phone service has returned, there are one or two blackouts a day and it is very difficult to make a phone call.

During the telecommunication blackout in Three Pagoda Pass, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) provided “Star Link Wifi” service but customers must pay between 4,500 to 6,000 Thai Baht for the initial fee.

“We also have to pay 1,000 Thai Baht for the monthly fee. As every house uses the service, the connection is very bad. But no one dares to complain as it is provided by the armed group,” said a resident.

The Thai authorities have also cut off their supply of electricity and petrol to Three Pagoda Pass since February, 2025 to crack down on the “call scam gangs” that are located alongside the Thai Burma border. On February 21^st, the Thai government also cut off access to its telecommunication network.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News