Myanmar migrant workers urged to lay low amid Thai prime minister election

By Admin 13 Jul 2023

DMG Newsroom
13 July 2023, Sittwe

Myanmar activists have warned Myanmar nationals in Thailand to exercise caution amid the latest developments in Thai politics.

To prevent protests as the Thai parliament is in the midst of electing a prime minister, Thai authorities have tightened security in several cities with large populations of Myanmar nationals including the capital Bangkok and frontier towns Mae Sot and Chiang Mai.

Thai-US political analyst Steven San Yu urged Myanmar nationals not to participate in protests or other political activities.

“Things could turn bad starting from today. Political activists and workers might be incited to stage protests outside the United Nations office in Bangkok, or public places. It is important that Myanmar nationals avoid getting involved,” he said.

Thai authorities have imposed tight checks on Myanmar migrant workers in border towns including Mae Sot, Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi, according to migrant workers.

“Checks were not this tight after the election. But there have been tight checks on us lately. Given the current political situation, we could be increasingly targeted for arrest and extortion. It is important to avoid Thai police and shun protests,” said a migrant worker in Mae Sot.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the progressive political party that won the most votes in Thailand’s general election, failed in his initial bid on Thursday to become the country’s next prime minister.

With Pita losing the first vote, the bicameral legislature scheduled second and third rounds of voting for July 19 and 20.

There were no signs of protest in Bangkok and other large Thai cities at the time of reporting, but observers remain concerned about the possibility of renewed political instability in Thailand.

There are around 5 million Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Following the coup in Myanmar, hundreds of thousands of them have legally or illegally crossed the border to work in Thailand, according to migrant workers’ rights activists.