According to reports from Thailand, ten Myanmar migrant workers who were selling goods online were arrested on September 5 in Nonthaburi Province, near Bangkok, Thailand. 

The Thai police raided and arrested them following a complaint that the workers, who were renting a room together, were selling high-priced goods online.

The arrested individuals include five men and five women, among whom some did not have proper documentation. News sources stated that the authorities also confiscated iPads, iPhones, and Thai bank account books used in the online sales.

Most Myanmar workers in Thailand are unaware that selling goods online is one of the 27 types of work they are not permitted to engage in. Even though some workers pay fees to continue such activities, U Moe Gyo, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee for Burmese Affairs (JACBA), said that no one can protect them if they are caught under Thailand's national interest protection policies.

"Many Myanmar people selling goods online are not aware that establishing their own shops, transferring money, and other such activities are among the 27 prohibited occupations under Thai law. Ignorance of the law does not grant them immunity. All those who pay fees to operate online cannot be protected under Thailand's national interest protection policies. Many of them mistakenly believe their businesses are legal and licensed, which is why they end up getting arrested," he stated.

The arrested Myanmar migrant workers have been charged with engaging in illegal work and residing illegally. They have been taken to the Banyai Police Station, and it is reported that after legal proceedings, they will be deported back to Myanmar.