Thai authorities are continuously arresting Myanmar nationals who are working in prohibited occupations such as retail sales, motorcycle repair, and driving, according to statements from Myanmar citizens in Thailand and Thai immigration authorities. On February 27, during an inspection of a retail store in Chiang Mai, two Myanmar nationals were found working as sales staff without proper documentation and work permits, leading to their arrest as reported by Chiang Mai Immigration.
Additionally, on February 25, Thai police arrested a Myanmar couple in Ranong who were selling over 5,000 different items including cosmetics and consumer goods through online platforms following a complaint. Thailand has numerous occupations that are restricted for foreigners, and as Myanmar nationals continue to work in these prohibited sectors, there has been an increase in complaints leading to more targeted arrests by Thai authorities. The situation has become particularly concerning as Thai authorities are specifically targeting Myanmar workers during their enforcement operations.
Ko Ye Min, a Myanmar labor rights activist in Thailand, warns that this is a critical time for Myanmar people in Thailand to exercise caution. He explains that complaints against Myanmar nationals have increased, particularly during Thailand’s economic downturn, when Myanmar people are seen purchasing properties and vehicles and displaying significant spending power. The Thai authorities are immediately deporting arrested Myanmar nationals back to the military council, where young men are being forcibly recruited into military service and required to undergo military training, according to Maung Aung Set Paing, a CDM soldier who managed to escape. This situation highlights the increasing vulnerability of Myanmar nationals in Thailand and the severe consequences they face upon deportation to Myanmar under the military regime.
