CNI News
7 June, 2023

Thai authorities are arresting migrants with incomplete documents and illegal migrants in a different manner, said assisters for migrant workers to CNI.

Government employees from various departments are arresting mainly migrants working at factories and workshops employing a great deal of workers rather than at the factory and workshop with a few workers and especially arresting is more common in the border areas with Myanmar where most of Myanmar are staying, which is reported.

"Here it is called multi-departmental inspection. Labour Department inspects whether migrant workers have work permits or not.Immigration Department inspects residence permits and police also come with them. Especially when a big problem arises, they carry out an operation like this.

detainees being inspected

"In Thailand, apart from these organizations there are township general administration deprtment, township defence and security department, and human resources and development department in every town.Thai government employees from these departments gather and inspect. But they rarely inspect at factories and workshops with a few workers.There are two teams that inspect. One is special team including various departments.They can inspect at any time. The other is normal and has no power to inspect at any time.They tend to lie and blackmail." said U Min Oo, incharge of labour affairs from FED.

In the past,immigration officers and police in the border areas went and arrested illegal migrants with the help of interpreters after informing community officials in advance. Multi-departmental inspection and arrest very rarely took place before. Taking action agaoinst illegal migrant workers like this has been more common since 20th May, 2023, said Ko Thar Gyi who is helping Myanmar migrant workers.

Thai authorities tightening up inspection

Migrant workers with incomplete documents have to pay border officials under table every month so as not to be arrested. But when multi-departmental teams inspect and arrest, monthly payers also are arrested. They arrest by surprise.You can't redeem your man at all. Your man must be sent to his country.

Thai authorities have been carring out more inspections and arrests in Tark District where most of Myanmar are staying since 15th May. Moreover,Thai politics has been unstable after general election was held. So, Not only illegal residents but also legal residents need to watch out with their steps, those who are helping Myanmar migrant workers have suggested.