Although the border gates between the two countries are closed, seven Myanmar citizens who crossed the Thaungyin river into Maesot were arrested on 7 Dec in the Maesot market.    

They sneaked in without any documents and were nabbed by the Thai police.     

At a time when the spread of coronavirus is rising worldwide, with the new law enacted in Thailand, to deter illegal entry into Thailand during COVID-19 period, to levy a monetary fine of 100,000 baths as well as imprisonment, said a resident of Maesot.    

It is learnt that during the period of the pandemic, for illegal entry into Thailand across the border, new law has been enacted to levy a fine of at least 100,000 baths and imprisonment. That is why, Kogyi Mann, a resident of Meisot has urged those who had returned to their country not to sneak back illegally as all entry is closed during the covid period.  

Likewise those who harbor illegal migrants across the border will also be penalized with a heavy fine as well as imprisonment, and if fine cannot be paid a prison term equivalent to the fine amount must be served, said Kogyi Mann.   

Although some factories and workshops closed due to COVID-19 have opened again Myanmar citizens that had returned to Myanmar have not been permitted to go back to Thailand, many who had sneaked in illegally were nabbed.