KANCHANABURI, Feb 19 (TNA) – Thai authorities apprehended 116 Myanmar nationals, mostly young men, on an island in Khao Laem National Park in Kanchanaburi province. The group claimed they were fleeing forced military conscription in their home country.
Police Colonel Phaitoon Sriwilai, the superintendent of Sangkhlaburi Police Station, was alerted by border patrol officers about a large group of foreigners on the island. Upon investigation, they found 116 Myanmar nationals (72 men, 44 women, and 2 accompanying persons) scattered within a bamboo forest.
They said they traveled from Payathonzu, Myanmar, and crossed the border into Thailand illegally. They were transported by vehicles to a drop-off point where they boarded a boat to the island. They had been on the island for varying durations, receiving one meal and water per day.
Their brokers used colored strings tied to their wrists to identify their intended destinations: Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, and Malaysia. Most of the men were aged 19-35 and fled due to fears of military conscription under Myanmar’s newly enacted law. The law mandates 2 years of military service for men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27.
Each individual paid brokers from Payathonzu 18,000-20,000 baht for the journey. They were charged with illegal entry into Thailand and will face legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, in the central province of Lopburi, highway police intercepted a pick-up truck carrying 9 Myanmar nationals. The driver confessed to being hired by a Thai woman to transport workers from Tak province.
The driver was charged with aiding illegal entry and using forged documents, while the Myanmar nationals were charged with illegal entry and residency. – 819 (TNA)
