An interview with U Htoo Chit, Executive Director of the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), regarding the current conditions faced by Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand following the Thai Police Chief’s directive
Thai Police Chief Kitrat Panphet issued an emergency order on 17 February instructing Thai police forces to monitor and supervise the behavior of foreigners residing throughout Thailand within their respective jurisdictions.
Since the issuance of this order, raids and searches have intensified in major Thai cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where many Myanmar nationals predominantly work and live, as well as in various other locations. This has led to a surge in arrests of Myanmar migrant workers and other Myanmar nationals, occurring almost daily.
Furthermore, an announcement allowing Thai citizens to collaborate with the government by reporting suspicious activities has prompted Myanmar migrant worker advocacy groups to urge greater caution in their daily movements and residence.
In light of these developments stemming from the Thai Police Chief’s directive, Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) conducted this interview with U Htoo Chit, Executive Director of the Thailand-based Foundation for Education and Development (FED), to discuss the challenges currently faced by Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.
Q: What situations have you observed regarding migrant workers in Thailand at present?
A: Right now, when it comes to the situation of Myanmar migrant workers who have come here to earn a living, based on our experience of over twenty years, we can say these are some of the worst conditions we’ve seen. What I mean is, in the border areas, there are arrests and enforcement actions happening almost every day. What’s even worse is that once they’re caught and deported back to Myanmar, we’re hearing almost daily reports that they’re being immediately conscripted into military service under the conscription law.
For example, when it comes to Myanmar migrant workers selling goods at markets, the Thai government and authorities have never permitted this in the first place. Yet, we’ve seen people doing it anyway. But now, that’s no longer the case. Beyond that, there’s the issue of working in jobs different from what they’re registered for. What I mean is, someone might be registered as a mason but ends up selling at a market, or registered to sell at a market but works as a mason instead, or even in other sectors like hotels, tourism, or factory work. Now, the authorities are systematically checking everything. They’re conducting thorough inspections and carrying out arrests as part of what feels like a full-scale operation, and we’re seeing this happening quite extensively.
Q: Why are migrant workers in Thailand being arrested?
A: The main reason, fundamentally speaking, is that tens of thousands of our migrant workers from Myanmar cross the border daily without legal documentation, and that’s a basic factor. Another issue is the recent surge in online scams and fraud, which are also linked to international human trafficking networks. Because of this, the Thai government has been tightening its grip on those under the category of migrant workers. Also, something different from before is what we’ve seen since the Spring Revolution—a phenomenon called ‘Mixed Migration,’ where there’s a diverse mix of people moving across borders.
What I mean is, in the past, most migrant workers were ordinary people coming here due to a lack of job opportunities. Now we’re seeing a lot more educated professionals, skilled workers, and even highly qualified migrant workers joining the flow. This includes healthcare workers, education staff, department officials in various sectors, journalists, business owners, and a significant number of middle-class individuals.
This mixed migration has led to some people blatantly violating the rules and regulations set by the Thai government. We’ve observed this happening quite openly in some cases. As a result, last year, for instance, migrant worker schools operating without proper documentation were shut down, and CDM [Civil Disobedience Movement] teachers were arrested and deported back to Myanmar. These kinds of situations have been occurring one after another.
Q: In this situation, what should Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand be cautious about?
A: The main thing, fundamentally speaking, is that since last year—and even the year before that—the Thai authorities have occasionally provided opportunities to legalize their status with certain documents. Nowadays, they call it the easy way—starting with the pink card and later the CI [Certificate of Identity]. If possible, I’d like to say as a key point that no matter the situation, our migrant workers should make an effort to obtain the documents issued by the Thai government.
At the same time, what’s even more important is that once they’re in this country, they should study and follow the cultural customs, traditions, and practices of Thailand as much as they can. They should also familiarize themselves with the laws set by the Thai government—like which jobs they’re not allowed to do—and at least to that extent, our migrant workers should learn and apply these basics. That’s what I’d like to say.”
Q: Is it likely that these conditions will pass quickly?
A: Well, the current situation can be said to have just begun. Arrests and detentions by the Thai government are a regular occurrence. We’ve been living in Thailand for about 30 years, and there’s always been a cycle of arrests, detentions, and releases. But what’s worse than usual is that there are hundreds of thousands, even millions, of undocumented migrant workers in Thailand. That’s why we’re worried that the Thai government might, on one hand, take steps to provide documentation for these undocumented migrant workers, while at the same time carrying out arrests, enforcement actions, and deportations.
Because of this, migrant workers should prepare systematically. It’s hard for us to say how long this will last. Personally, I don’t think this will calm down quietly or resolve itself in the short term. What’s even worse is that we’re hearing about people being sent straight to military service at the borders after deportation. So, I’d say migrant workers need to stay calm, disciplined, and follow the proper rules.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add regarding the situation of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand?
A: Based on our experience, the cooperation and skillful handling by governments—both the host and home governments—are incredibly important. When governments talk to each other, it’s far more effective and beneficial than when non-governmental organizations, labor unions, or worker groups speak up.
So, if those who call themselves a government truly want to protect migrant workers, I’d say they should systematically approach the Thai government and make efforts to ensure some level of protection for these workers.
Sent by IMNA.