Thai authorities conducted a raid on a Myanmar food court located in downtown Chiang Mai, resulting in the arrest of three Myanmar workers without proper documentation and three shop owners. The inspection came after Thai nationals called for investigation of the establishment known as ‘Memories Of Chiang Mai’ on social media platforms. The food court features products and cuisine from various states and regions of Myanmar, with all vendors being Myanmar nationals.
During the inspection, Thai authorities checked for proper business permits and worker documentation. The arrests were made after discovering three workers without valid work permits and three shop owners who had employed them without proper authorization. The food court’s social media page has confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the warning and assistance in understanding legal compliance requirements. The establishment’s stated mission was to create a welcoming space that brings together people from different regions and allows them to experience diverse foods and cultures.
A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report highlighted the situation of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, revealing systematic exploitation by Thai authorities. The report particularly noted that in Mae Sot, Myanmar nationals are referred to as ‘walking ATMs,’ subjected to constant extortion. Myanmar citizens live under the threat of deportation, and HRW has urged for the immediate implementation of a system to provide temporary protection for Myanmar nationals from exploitation by Thai authorities. The report emphasizes that similar arrests of undocumented Myanmar workers and unauthorized vendors continue to occur regularly in Mae Sot and other border areas, highlighting the vulnerable position of Myanmar migrants in Thailand.
