MYAWADY-------Over 120 Myanmar workers were arrested for illegal entry into Thailand within 14 days and some were infected with COVID-19 virus, according to those who help with workers’ affairs.

When 12 Myanmar migrants entered to Mae Sot, Thailand via Myawady by boat on September 13th, Thailand security force arrested them.

“From September 1st to 13th, there are over 100 Myanmar workers entering into Mae Sot border and Hteekhe border in Thailand. Myanmar workers had to pay the charges to the brokers to search the jobs in Thailand among the COVID-19 restrictions. But, they were arrested. So, they should not come to Thailand as their greediness,” said Moe Gyo, Chairman of Joint Action Committee for Burmese Affairs.

Due to COVID-19 outbreak and political crisis in Myanmar, the needy persons faced job shortages. So, they had to enter illegally into Thailand aiming in search of jobs. They must pay 15,000 to 20,000 baht each for the job broker.

Within 18 months of COVID-19 outbreak, over 40,000 Myanmar workers were arrested for illegal entry into the Thailand. Over 30,000 Myanmar workers out of 40,000 were arrested along Myanmar-Thai border. 

Currently, illegal Myanmar workers are now receiving medical checkups but they were taken actions against Thailand Immigration Law and COVID-19 rules and regulations.