The family of Colonel Saw Chit Thu, commander of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), has provided financial and logistical support to several Myanmar athletes competing in recent One Championship events in Thailand. This has raised concerns about the growing influence of groups linked to criminal enterprises on international sports platforms.
According to one competitor, Saw Chit Thu’s family financed travel and expenses for athletes including Thwe Lin Htet, Sein Lone Chaw, Har Ling Om, Soe Naing Oo, and Eh Mwi. Support included transportation and undisclosed financial assistance.
The appearance of the SKK Thaung Ying FC logo during the events drew sharp criticism. A Karen youth activist described the gesture as provocative, comparing it to “flipping off” the U.S., China, ASEAN, and Western nations.
The SKK brand is widely associated with online scam operations and human trafficking along the Thai-Myanmar border. Shwe Kokko, under BGF control, is known for hosting Chinese-run businesses allegedly involved in illegal gambling, scams, and currency exchanges.
Despite an official announcement in September 2024 that operations would be suspended, locals report that activities have continued and even expanded. The BGF is estimated to earn around $3.8 billion annually from its scam and casino operations, according to the United States Institute of Peace.
Saw Chit Thu’s children operate several sports clubs and hold shares in BGF-affiliated businesses. Their teams, often composed of individuals tied to scam companies, regularly compete in local events. A resident noted that competitions are often orchestrated, with winning teams linked to BGF leadership.
A Karen political analyst suggested that the use of sports is part of a broader strategy to normalize the BGF’s image and maintain influence among the Karen population, despite international sanctions.
In August, Saw Chit Thu reportedly planned a football match with a 3 billion kyat prize—nearly four times the Myanmar National League championship award.
The United States sanctioned Saw Chit Thu and two of his sons in May 2024, designating the Karen National Army (KNA)—a rebranding of the BGF—as a criminal organization. Additional sanctions followed in September targeting BGF-linked businesses.
Although the BGF claims to have cut ties with Myanmar’s junta and reorganized as the KNA, it continues to operate under the BGF name and has supported the junta’s election plans in its territories.
Renewed fighting in Karen State has displaced over 3,000 civilians since early September, yet BGF-controlled scam centers such as Dongmei Park and KK-Park continue to operate undisturbed, even in conflict zones.
