It has been reported that on February 24, 200 Myanmar nationals who had served their sentences in Thailand were repatriated to Kawthaung, Myanmar.

The Thai authorities transported the group, comprising 198 men and 2 women, from Ranong to Kawthaung via waterways. The operation was led by U Moe Zaw, the Myanmar labor attaché based in Ranong, using 14 motorboats to carry out the repatriation.

Upon arrival at the No. 2 Bayintnaung Port in Kawthaung’s Bayintnaung Ward, local officials welcomed the returnees and transported them to the Nawarat Sports Hall in Pitaung Shwewar Ward for further procedures. Health workers from the District Health Department conducted COVID-19 screenings, while officials collected personal information and checked for any individuals with outstanding criminal warrants.

Except for residents of Kawthaung, the remaining returnees were provided assistance by local authorities to return to their respective hometowns.

These Myanmar nationals had been serving sentences for various offenses in southern Thai districts and were repatriated upon completing their prison terms.