41 Thai workers return to Thailand from Myanmar conflict zone
Forty-one Thai workers of some 200 stranded in a conflict zone in Laukkaing, a town in Myanmar’s Kokong Self-Administered Zone, returned safely to Thailand on Saturday.
The 41 Thais travelled from Kengtung in Shan state, which is around 160 kilometres from the Thai border, in a bus arranged by the Myanmar government.
They crossed the border at the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, Mae Sai Customs Checkpoint, Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province.
The repatriation process was carried out in a coordinated effort involving military personnel, police, customs officials, and relevant agencies from both the Myanmar and Thai sides.
Upon their arrival in Thai territory, the 41 Thai workers boarded a military bus to continue their journey to the 37th Military District in Mueang district. Preliminary health screening was conducted by medical staff from the Fort Mengraimaharaj Hospital on the bus.
They would undergo further procedures, including inspection by the police and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
It was discovered that three of the 41 individuals had outstanding arrest warrants in Thailand. The authorities will interrogate the individuals, verify facial recognition data, and make necessary preparations for legal proceedings related to the existing arrest warrants.
The others would undergo oral examination by immigration officials, and legal procedures before being allowed to join family members or relatives and resettle.
Laukkaing is in the north of Shan State near the border with China, where fighting between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups of the Brotherhood Alliance has been going on since last month.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explained the steps involved in assisting Thai nationals from Laukkaing, both for those who have already returned and those currently in the process. The situation is complicated and involves legal processes.
For instance, there are concerns about the legal entry of foreigners into the area, requiring proper authorization. This has raised suspicions of potential legal violations by the Myanmar side.
Consequently, court proceedings are involved, leading to a prolonged evaluation period.
Additionally, individuals entering Laukkaing often engage in work related to call centres or scam centres, making them susceptible to being implicated in fraudulent activities, coercion, or manipulation to deceive others into transferring money. However, there may be exceptions to prosecution if individuals were coerced into such activities.
