Thirty three Myanmar workers have been arrested for illegally entering Thailand, according to Social Action for Children and Women. 

Thai authorities stopped and checked two cars carrying 33 Myanmar citizens in Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province, on July 29. They were found to be entering the country illegally. Sai Yok Police Station arrested them and two car drivers for questioning. 

The drivers will be charged with human trafficking and the Myanmar workers with illegal entry under the immigration law. 

Currently, Thailand is taking strict measures to prevent foreign migrant workers from entering the country through illegal routes fearing the second wave of Covid-19. 

Despite such strict measures, Myanmar workers are entering Thailand illegally through brokers. 

The Thai immigration department has also warned Thai police against any collusion in illegal entry. 

The Thai immigration police held a press conference on June 23 saying that over 7,600 Myanmar workers entered Thailand illegally in the Covid-19 period. 

Moreover, about 3,000 undocumented Myanmar workers were arrested in Thailand 

Moe Gyo, chairman of the joint action committee for the cause of Myanmar citizens, said: “The Thai government is arresting undocumented foreign workers. But, legal actions against them are being relaxed during the Covid-19 period.” 

Those arrested need to pay a fine of 2,000 to 200,000 baht. Only those who cannot afford fines will face prison sentences. 

Thailand has over 2 million legitimate Myanmar workers and over 800,000 undocumented Myanmar workers.