In the Thai city of Mae Sot , Thai authorities have escalated their efforts to conduct searches, inspections, and arrests within neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by Myanmar citizens, according to reports from Mae Sot-based volunteers activelyassisting Myanmar migrant workers.
This operation started during first week of September according to U Moe Gyo, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee for Burmese
Affairs (JACBA), there has been a notable surge in the patrols conducted by Thai security forces in Mae Sot. He further explained that these security forces are now carrying out more extensive interrogations when they encounter individuals, they deem suspicious.
"In Tak Province, we've seen cases of weapons and ammunition seizures, as well as the confiscation of tools and equipment used for weapon manufacturing in Mae Sot's outskirts and some villages. This has made life more challenging for long-time Myanmar residents in Mae Sot, prompting them to be extra cautious about their security. The Governor of Tak Province is currently personally overseeing inspections at the Friendship Bridge, intensifying scrutiny in the area”, he explained to KIC.
On September 5th, the Governor of Tak Province paid a visit to No. 1 Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot. Following this visit, there was a notable increase in the thoroughness of inspections conducted on both pedestrians and goods at the bridge.
U Moe Gyo also remarked that the apprehension of 8 Myanmar nationals, along with materials and equipment associated with drone-making, in Makkasan village near Mae Sot, could be a contributing factor to the heightened scrutiny in inspections.
"A group of Myanmar youths had been arrested in a house in Makkasan village with tools for making drones. This happened before the drone attack on September 3rd in Myawaddy. But the village elder posted about the arrest on social media, suggesting a possible link to the Myawaddy incident, without concrete evidence. This situation may have led Thai authorities to increase their focus on the matter, possibly contributing to stricter inspections”, U Moe Gyo added.
On September 4th, local authorities, including Thai soldiers, carried out an unannounced inspection at Phoe Htoo Kone bazaar, located near the bustling Mae Sot main market, where a significant population of Myanmar citizens resides. During this operation, some individuals who couldn't provide proper documentation were apprehended and taken into custody.
These arrests may have been prompted by tips provided by informants. It's highly unlikely that such an operation was solely intended for apprehending undocumented Myanmar nationals. Typically searches and arrests of this nature are a response to tips regarding the presence of weapons or drugs. However I haven't heard of any illegal items being confiscated during this time”, a Myanmar citizen residing in Phoe Htoo Kone said.
Following the 2021 coup in Myanmar, numerous Myanmar citizens relocated to Mae Sot for various reasons. In certain areas of Mae Sot, there have been frequent confiscations of weapons and ammunition destined for the Myanmar side.
