Thai authorities arrest 43 undocumented Myanmar nationals in Kanchanaburi

According to reports from Thailand, Thai authorities have arrested 43 undocumented Myanmar nationals in Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province. On August 5, the 43 undocumented Myanmar nationals who illegally entered Thailand from the Phra Sad Sam Latt region, a border area between Thailand and Myanmar, were arrested by Thai authorities on a highway in Sai Yok District while they were traveling towards Songkhla Province in southern Thailand via Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province. According to Thai news reports, the vehicle carrying the undocumented Myanmar nationals had passed through no less than 10 checkpoints along the Phra Sad Sam Latt - Sangkhlaburi - Kanchanaburi road using various methods. After evading these checkpoints, the vehicle was pursued by the Thai police force on the main highway in Sai Yok District. While attempting to flee, the vehicle collided with a traffic island and overturned. The undocumented Myanmar nationals on board were subsequently arrested by Thai authorities. It is understood that the undocumented Myanmar nationals arrested by Thai authorities are being detained at the police station in Sai Yok District and will be prosecuted under Thai law. An individual assisting Myanmar nationals in Thailand stated that security on the Thai side along the Thailand-Myanmar border is currently very tight, making illegal entry into Thailand from Myanmar extremely difficult. He further stated, "Even though brokers offer enticing words like 'you can pass the checkpoints' or 'we will get you out if you are arrested,' the reality is that Thai security is very strict, and you are likely to be arrested at one point or another. Given the risk to your personal finances and your own life, I urge you not to believe the unreliable words of brokers." According to reports from Thailand, in early July, no less than 29 undocumented Myanmar nationals were arrested by Thai authorities in Kanchanaburi Province. Bo Bo Myint Photo Credit - thai news