More than 1,700 Myanmar citizens were arrested in April for their illegal entry into Thailand, while 14 Thais were also captured for human trafficking, according to those helping with worker affairs.

Moe Gyo, chairman of the Mae Sot based organization, Joint Action Committee for Burma Affairs (JACBA), said: “In April 2022, 1,710 Myanmar nationals and 14 Thai human traffickers were arrested by Thai security forces. Each of the arrested Myanmar citizens had to pay 1,800 to 30,000 baht to come to Thailand.”   

They came from Kayin, Rakhine and Mon states, Nay Pyi Taw and Bago, Yangon, Taninthayi, Mandalay and Ayeyawady regions.

“Illegal migrant workers were arrested most in Tak province bordering Kayin State, followed by Prachuap Khiri Khan Province bordering Taninthayi Region. Like such arrests are seen in Thai provinces such as Tak, Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Chiang Rai and Chumphon, some others were also arrested on the border with Malaysia. Some were also arrested in Chonburi and Ayok Daya surrounding Bangkok,” said Moe Gyo.

Since the start of this year, illegal Myanmar migrant workers have been arrested in Thailand — over 4,000 in January, over 5,000 in February, over 1,600 in March and over 1,700 in April. Meanwhile, some managed to reach their workplaces.  

Under the Thai law, arrested illegal immigrant workers could face 10 years in prison and those who provide accommodation for them five years in prison. However, there is usually a one-year prison sentence under the title of the Thai King’s loving kindness and bilateral friendship. And then, they were released three or fourth months after coordination with the labour attaché concerned.

Sometimes, there were cases in which human traffickers put illegal migrants in 10-wheeled trucks carrying fruit and vegetables causing them to have little oxygen. Sometimes, deaths even occurred in accidents when the trucks ran away due to police arrests.