BANGKOK, March 23 (TNA) — Several thousands of migrant workers were stranded at border checkpoints that were closed today and local officials were lenient on some locations.
In Chiang Rai province, more than 400 Myanmar workers turned up at the border checkpoint in Mae Sai district as Thailand started to close its border.
The workers arrived at the border checkpoint from Bangkok and other provinces and their number was growing. Understanding their necessity and difficulty, immigration police allowed them to cross the border at specific times.
About 10,000 Thai people who worked in Tachileik border town opposite Mae Sai district returned to the Thai soil yesterday.
In Sa Kaeo province bordering Cambodia, about 300 Cambodian workers arrived at the Ban Klong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district to return to Cambodia. Most of them said they could not go back to work because they already quit their job. Local officials were discussing possible solutions for the people with the Interior Ministry.
In Tak province bordering Myanmar, about 1,000 Myanmar workers arrived from greater Bangkok and overcrowded the border checkpoint at the second Thai-Myarnmar friendship bridge. They were carrying belongings including TVs, refrigerators, fans and audio devices. Security officials showed up to keep order. Local officials let them cross the border today. (TNA)
