In June, more than 113 individuals have been arrested for illegally crossing into Thailand through the Three Pagodas Pass, according to Thai news agencies.
Reports indicate that the arrests include 26 Myanmar nationals on June 9, 23 on June 12, 8 on June 15, and 56 on June 17.
Increased inspections at checkpoints, such as the Three Pagoda Pass checkpoint in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, have led to many individuals being apprehended while attempting to use forest paths to enter Thailand.
“Frequent inspections have resulted in regular arrests, though some individuals manage to escape with the help of brokers. Brokers are responsible for ensuring the safe return of their clients if arrested. Many young people from Bago and upper Myanmar are trying to enter Thailand,” said a source.
The Karen National Union (KNU) officials in Three Pagodas Pass have warned brokers that they must take responsibility for the safe return of the Myanmar nationals they manage if they are arrested.
Due to the military conscription law, economic hardships, and ongoing regional conflicts, many residents from Mon and Karen States continue to enter Thailand illegally through the Three Pagodas Pass daily.
“Not just the youth, but also parents and children are fleeing. There is constant shelling and heavy weapon fire in the Yebyu area. Many can’t find work, so they enter Thailand,” said a local from Three Pagodas Pass.
Following the enactment of the military conscription law by the military council, over 6 million illegal workers from Myanmar have reportedly entered Thailand, according to labor assistance organizations.
Thai authorities have been conducting daily inspections in areas with large populations of Myanmar workers since the end of May, due to the increase in illegal entries, as reported by Thai news agencies.
