111 Rakhine nationals, repatriated from Thailand, sent back by a naval ship

Narinjara News, 8 February 2023

At least 111 Rakhine nationals out of 670 Burmese citizens, who were recently repatriated by from Thailand's Ranong-based immigration prison, have been sent back to Rakhine State by a naval ship.
Among them, 80 people hailing from the townships of Sittwe, Pauk Taw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Kyauk Taw, Minbya and  Maebon, were sent back to their respective localities through Shwe Min Gan Jetty by navy ship named Anawyathar.
The others (31 people), who hail from Taungup, Thandwe, Kyauk Phyu, Rambre, Manaung, Ann, Maei  townships, were sent to Kyauk Phyu jetty. The navy ship arrived at the jetty in early morning hours on 6 February.
The returnees, including some women, were welcomed by the newly appointed Rakhine military council chief minister U Htin Lin, a retired colonel along with western regional military commander Htin Lin Oo and other government officials.
A person close to the Rakhine government informed that CM Htin Lin and his team gave a greeting speech with encouragement to those returnees. The  junta authority  also gave some money to them. They have already left for their respective places.

On 2 February last, 670 Myanmar nationals (534 men and 136 women) were sent back to Kawthaung (Myanmar) from the Thailand’s Ranoung port by ships. Before sending them to Myanmar, those Burmese prisoners staged a protest demonstration in the Ranoung immigration prison demanding their return. They were in the jail even after their due release dates were passed on by six to seven months.
As Rakhine does not have enough electricity it does not encourage factories and industries. With no job on hand, hundreds of Rakhine people leave for foreign countries including Malaysia, China or Thailand. Many even try their luck with false or no documents. Often they are arrested by the border police personnel and some succeed in moving ahead.