CNI News

7 Oct 2022

Easing COVID-19 restrictions imposed since the first outbreak of the pandemic by Thai authorities bodes well for Myanmar migrant workers, labour activists told the CNI.

Thai authorities announced that all COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted as of 1st October.

U Ba Yee, an official from the Migrant Workers Rights Network, told the CNI, “It is easier for migrant workers to travel from one place to another. They are no longer required to take COVID tests. In the past, Myanmar migrant workers had to show test results which was taken within the last 24 hours and vaccine certificates. So, it is much easier for migrant workers to travel from one place to another. It brings benefits for workers at their workplaces as well.”

In the past, Myanmar migrant workers faced difficulties in travelling from one town to another and were even extorted by the police, who took advantage of the restrictions. Therefore, lifting the restrictions can reduce such problems for Myanmar migrant workers, according to labour activists.

  A worksite in Thailand.

With the restrictions lifted, Myanmar migrant workers can change jobs easily and better job opportunities are currently available in tourism-related businesses.

U Min Oo, a labour activist from the Foundation for Education and Development, told the CNI, “Thailand has reopened its economy and job opportunities have increased. Moreover, the travel season started in October and has set the target of receiving one billion tourists before the end of the year. It has already received about six million at present and authorities are trying very hard. So, job opportunities have significantly increased. Our migrant workers can get jobs. Moreover, lifting the restrictions helps them get jobs easily. It is beneficial for Myanmar migrant workers.”

Although the restrictions have been lifted, Myanmar migrant workers who want to return to Myanmar have faced difficulties as Thai authorities have not reopened the border with Myanmar.
Migrant workers who have more than six months of passport valid term can return by air but those who with passports valid term less than six months are not allowed to do so.

Thai immigration officials checking passports.

Therefore, some Myanmar migrant workers chose to be arrested by authorities and paid fines to go back home or sneak back into Myanmar by crossing the Taungyin River.

Ko Thar Gyi, a labour activist for Myanmar Migrant workers, told the CNI, “People linked with authorities from both sides are ferrying migrant workers back to Myanmar by asking for Baht 3,000 to Baht 4,500 per person. In the past, when they crossed the river, they needed to pay only Baht 20. When they arrive at the other bank, they can go back home directly. If they were arrested and repatriated by Thai authorities, they could be detained from one to three days or could be sent to quarantine centres by Myanmar authorities.”

Labour activists in Thailand have called for Myanmar nationals to work in Thailand officially instead of resorting to illegally enter Thailand.