RANONG, Feb 21 (TNA) – The compulsory conscription order by Myanmar’s military government has led to an influx of young Myanmar people into Thailand.
As Thailand shares about 2,400- km border with Myanmar, the conscription law enforced by Myanmar aimed at recruiting about 5,000 people monthly beginning in April has sparked a new wave of illegal entry into Thailand along the border.
In Tak Province, border patrol units arrested groups of people crossing the border into Thailand.
Security authorities in the province have set up checkpoints on Tuesday night and apprehended 18 Myanmar nationals crowded in the back of a pickup truck.
Just an hour apart, they expanded the operation and captured another 8 people, totaling 26 within one night.
Myanmar has announced that all men aged18-35 and women aged 18 to 27 are to serve in the military amid intensified fightings with ethic armed groups and the People’s Defence Force (PDF).
In Ranong province, it is reported that up to a thousand young men and women from Myanmar have crossed the border from Myanmar daily.
Security forces arrest nearly a hundred people each day as officials are on high alert, conducting round-the-clock operations to block all escape routes.
At the Ronong-Kawthaung pier which serves as one border crossing has seen an increase of boat passengers from Myanmar, travelling to the Thai side. It has been bustling from morning until afternoon.
Ranong’s permanent border checkpoints allow lawful entry and exit through the border pass system. Those who enter are allowed to stay for a maximum of seven days. However, previously, there were around 300-350 Myanmar nationals entering and exiting Ranong Province per day. Currently, there are over 1,000 individuals per day.
Most passengers are young men and women, arriving with families with large luggage as seen during the festival when they come to visit their relatives in Thailand. However, it is not normally seen during the usual time.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Enforcement Command Center, Region 3 has conducted surveillance operations to prevent illegal border crossings along the Thai-Myanmar sea border, both by sea patrols and special operation teams along the Kraburi River, covering a distance of over 200 kilometers.
In Samut Sakhon, home to the largest Myanmar community in Thailand, Mong A, a 43-year-old Myanmar migrant worker, described the current situation in his home country as a turmoil.
Mong A who has been working in Thailand for over 20 years said the government sent troops to villages to enlist people aged 18 and above for military service for a minimum of two years.
“People on the opposite side who support the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi are in panic to be conscripted and make desperate attempts to flee the country,” said Mong A. Many had set their sights on Thailand, where estimated millions had entered to work as laborers in various sectors such as agriculture, fishing, factories, and others, he added. -819 (TNA)
