Image from Eleven Media Group/ANN
YANGON, April 24 (Eleven Media Group/ANN): Thirteen Myanmar citizens hiding in a small truck loaded with cucumbers driving from Mae Sot to Bangkok in Thailand were arrested at the first checkpoint after the exit of Mae Sot at about 1 am on Sunday night (April 23).
The arrests came after Thai officials checked the vehicle at the checkpoint.
Of the 13 Myanmar citizens, 12 entered Mae Sot with temporary border passes that could enable them to stay in the town for seven days via Myawady Friendship Bridge No.1 on April 22. And one was without documents.
Temporary border pass can only be used in three townships including Mae Sot, and visitors cannot stay for more than seven days or go beyond those towns.
U Moe Gyo, chair of Mae Sot based Joint Action Committee of Burmese Affairs – JACBA, called for legal entry rather than illegal entry as more Myanmar workers come to Thailand to seek jobs.
“On April 22, they entered Mae Sot via Myawady with temporary border passes. They were hiding in a vehicle loaded with cucumbers heading for Bangkok.
"They were captured at the first checkpoint after the exit of Mae Sot at about 1pm on April 23. Myanmar citizens enter Thailand in various ways. With scarce jobs and political instability, they try to enter Thailand in several illegal ways.
"It is very dangerous for them to hide in cars or trucks carrying various kinds of goods with intent to enter the country. About 20 years ago, some died after Thai security forces checked cars with the use of a spear.
"We should not bet on life. Under such circumstances, they should seek legitimate ways to enter,” U Moe Gyo commented.
The 13 arrestees as well as the broker will face legal action in line with the Thai law.
They have been multiple similar arrests before. - Eleven Media Group/ANN
