Over 40 Myanmar migrant workers arrested in Kanchanaburi for illegal entry into Thailand

Narinjara, April 27, 2023

A group of 42 Myanmar migrant workers, who had entered Thailand illegally, were apprehended by Thai authorities in a forested area of Kanchanaburi on the night of April 26th.

According to local media in Kanchanaburi, 27 men and 15 women were among the arrested Myanmar migrant workers.

The Myanmar workers who crossed the border through forest paths had an unfortunate encounter with the Thai authorities who were patrolling the area.

An individual who had been aiding Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand conveyed his sympathy for those who were apprehended while attempting to cross uncharted forests in search of work opportunities in a foreign nation.

"They are seeking employment, which is why they resort to any means necessary to come to Thailand. It was even more disheartening for me to learn that the individuals who encountered difficulties in the middle of the jungle were citizens of Myanmar”, he told Narinjara.

Thai authorities' interrogations revealed that the detained Myanmar nationals hailed from various regions, including Rakhine State, as well as urban areas such as Yangon, Bago, and Mawlamyine. Their intended destination was Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Ranong, and Kanchanaburi regions in Thailand for employment purposes.

According to local media reports, the apprehended individuals were taken into custody at a police station in Kanchanaburi and will be subjected to legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

Thai media also reported that the number of Myanmar migrant workers detained in Thailand during the month of April alone has risen to approximately 150.