The Thai government is sending Burmese migrants from various parts of the country through the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border, but the Burmese military is refusing to let them in.
In recent days, the Thai government has repatriated 200 to 500 returnees for various reasons.
According to Ko Tha Gyi, managing director of KTG Helping Hands General Services, which provides labour support, the junta has restricted access to Myanmar (Burma) since December 12, and some Burmese workers must remain in Thai custody, causing major health and housing concerns.
More than 200 Burmese workers who want to return home by December 13 will be held in Thai jails because they are not allowed to cross the Thai-Burmese Bridge No. 2 on the Myawaddy border from the Myanmar side. Labour activists have suggested that officials from the elected National Unity Government's (NUG) Ministry of Labour take action to address the issue.