CNI News
11 April 2024
The question how much armed conflicts taking place in Myanmar are affecting Thailand is being asked. If there were peace and stability in Myanmar, Thailand would be the most profitable country, said Thai PM Srettha.
If there were peace and stability in Myanmar, Myanmar migrant workers could go to Thailand to work legally; moreover, products could be mutually exported and at present, discussions were being conducted to mutually export the products, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.
" If there are stability and peace in Myanmar, Myanmar migrant people can go and work in Thailand officially. And then, they can enjoy basic labor rights more. Another thing is border trade between the two countries. The borderline is more than 2,000 Kilometer long between the two countries. In the southern part of the border are businesses and waterways. During the Thingyan, mutual visits have been allowed and then, discussions are being conducted to mutually export products. Due to the current stabilities on the other side of Mae Sot, Thailand is suffering a lot economically. So, the Thai authorities want to make Myanmar stable." he said.
While seeing the Thai-Myanmar border trade gate
There were over three million legal Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, he said. Because battles are breaking out along the Thai-Myanmar border, the Myawady border trade has stopped.
617 troops including families from the Thin Gan Byuha Military Camp under the Southeastern Command of the Tatmadaw in Myawady Township, Karen State surrendered to the Karen National Unity(KNU) a few days ago, the KNU stated on 6th April, 2024.
Most of the Thai products that enter Myanmar come into Myanmar through the Myawady border trade, said traders. Because battles are breaking out along the Thai-Myanmar border, the interests of Thailand including the Thai national security was being affected, U Myo Kyaw, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), told CNI News.
While seeing an armed group
" Revolutionary elements have captured Myawady where arrangements were made for the Thai-Myanmar border trade but also the product coming from other countries. For example, the products from Japan don't enter Myanmar directly. They come from Bangkok through Mae Sot to Myawady. Trade value gained from trade route between Bangkok and Myawady is a very large amount of money. But as the troops of the SAC have retreated, it will affect Thailand to an extent. So, it seems that Thailand wants to negotiate to protect their interests." he said.
Because severe battles are breaking out in Myawady, the Thai army and the Thai Border Guard Force are patrolling and tightening security in Mae Sot, reported in the Thai media.
The Thai-Myanmar borderline is over 1,300 miles long and a lot of revolutionary forces as well as the Karen National Union (KNU), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA), the United Wa State Party (UWSP/UWSA), the New Mon State Party (NMSP) have been active along the Thai-Myanmar border.
