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Dark Zomia: Myanmar Frontier and the Chinese Enclosure

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  • Pinkaew Laungaramsri

Abstract

This paper discusses the proliferation of illicit enterprises operated by Chinese syndicates along the Myanmar-Thai border. Far from being a closed enclave, the transnational cyber-scam industry has grown invincibly by weaving together various networks both within and across the border. Rethinking Scott's notion of “shatter zone” in the frontier of Southeast Asia, this paper argues that Myanmar's “indigenous Zomia” has increasingly been transformed into what I call “Dark Zomia” – a non-state space inhabited by runaway criminals who evade China's state-making project. As a result, the border region has become a contested terrain where the “friction of sovereignty” among various state and non-state entities has allowed illicit industries to thrive.

Suggested Citation

  • Pinkaew Laungaramsri, 2025. "Dark Zomia: Myanmar Frontier and the Chinese Enclosure," Journal of Borderlands Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(6), pages 1425-1440, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rjbsxx:v:40:y:2025:i:6:p:1425-1440
    DOI: 10.1080/08865655.2025.2469854
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