Thai authorities in Kanchanaburi have arrested 29 Myanmar nationals who illegally entered the country, according to sources from the Thai-Myanmar border. The arrests occurred on March 4, involving individuals aged between 18 and 40 years who were attempting to enter Thailand through the Three Pagodas Pass route. This incident highlights the ongoing exodus of Myanmar youth seeking to escape the military council’s forced recruitment campaigns.
The current situation in Myanmar has become increasingly dire as the military council continues its aggressive campaign of forcibly recruiting young people for military service. This has led to a surge in attempts by youth to flee to neighboring countries. The military council has implemented strict restrictions on legal travel routes, particularly scrutinizing those using PJ and PV passports, making it extremely difficult for people to leave the country through official channels. As a result, many are resorting to illegal border crossings to reach Thailand and Malaysia. Aid workers in Mae Sot who assist Myanmar migrant youth report a significant increase in border crossings, with hundreds of people attempting to cross the border daily. The Mae Sot-Myawaddy route has become heavily restricted, leading many to attempt crossing through the Three Pagodas Pass area despite the higher risk of arrest.
A notable trend has emerged recently with a significant increase in the number of young women attempting to cross the border. These women, ranging in age from 16 to 50 years, are primarily fleeing due to economic hardship rather than military recruitment concerns. They seek employment opportunities in Thailand and Malaysia through illegal routes as the economic situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate. Meanwhile, the military council has intensified its recruitment efforts, currently conducting its 11th batch of military service recruitment, leading to widespread forced conscription across the country. This aggressive recruitment drive, combined with severe economic pressures, has created a humanitarian crisis that continues to force Myanmar citizens to seek refuge and opportunities abroad, despite the risks involved in illegal border crossings.
