Thai authorities have arrested 30 Myanmar workers who were attempting to travel to Samut Sakhon via Mae Sot for work. The arrest took place on April 23 when authorities stopped two vehicles heading toward Nakhon Sawan at a highway checkpoint. The drivers, who were also Myanmar nationals, had concealed the workers in the rear compartments of the vehicles. During the inspection, authorities discovered 20 Myanmar workers in the first vehicle and 10 in the second vehicle.
The investigation revealed that all workers were planning to travel from the Thai-Myanmar border town of Mae Sot to work in Samut Sakhon, Bangkok. None of the workers possessed legal documentation for entry or work permits. Each worker had reportedly paid 10,000 Thai Baht in broker fees for the arrangement. The workers were attempting to find employment opportunities in Thailand due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar.
Thai authorities have charged the two drivers with smuggling illegal migrants, while the 30 workers have been charged with illegal entry into the country. This incident reflects the continuing challenges faced by Myanmar citizens who are seeking employment opportunities abroad due to the current political and economic conditions in their home country. The case highlights the risks and legal consequences that Myanmar workers face when attempting to enter Thailand through unofficial channels in search of better economic opportunities.
