YANGON, May 16 : More than 120 Myanmar citizens who had crossed into Thailand by land and waterways to work were nabbed by Thai security forces.

As per information released by the Thai authorities, over 120 Myanmar citizens tried to sneak into Thailand via Tanintharyi Region by land and waterways, and then they were apprehended at midnight.

Although Myanmar citizens were sent to Thailand legally under MoU system on May 10, there have been continuous illegal entries across the border.

The Thai Military Public Relations Department released information that on May 14, 112 Myanmar citizens were arrested for crossing illegally into Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand, bordering Mawtaung, Myeik District of Tanintharyi Region.

61 Myanmar males and 51 females had used jungle tracks to cross in and they had to be apprehended while sleeping in the forest. The Thai security forces had been patrolling along the jungle tracks used by the brokers, and it was during that time that they caught 112 Myanmar citizens that had been waiting for the brokers.

Upon questioning the Myanmar citizens that had been waiting for brokers in Kholat sub-district of Prachuap Khiri Khan district they agreed for each person to pay 20000 to 30000 baths to get work in Thailand.

The Thai media mentioned that the Myanmar citizens apprehended had been from Pakokku, Yangon, Pyay, Mandalay, and towns from Ayeyawady Region, that they were to get work in Bangkok, Samut Songkhram, Pathum Thani, and Chonburi provinces, that they were infected by Covid-19 and that they were sent to Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station.

It had been mentioned in the Thai media that 17 Myanmar citizens had been caught near Sinhai island, Ranong province, on May 12. They had used waterways via Kawkthaung to cross into Thailand.

The Thai authorities said that 12 Myanmar males and 5 females had been caught on a motorboat heading towards Kawkphram island, Ranong District.

Upon questioning them they were going to Malaysia, that they were by three Thai guides. It had been learnt that those arrested would be sent to Panan police station, Ranong province for further action.

Migrant workers said that although it was possible to get work by means of MoU it was too expensive and the process took too long, and so in order to get work shortcuts would continue be used.

 - ANN