Most of the undocumented Myanmar workers who were sent back to Kawthoung in the Tanintharyi Region have been forcibly conscripted up to the 10th batch of military service, according to the persons who monitor the military conscription.
Myanmar workers, who crossed the border into Thailand illegally, along with undocumented people, have been arrested and interrogated by Thai authorities. Last year, after serving jail terms, they were handed over to Kawthoung 14 times via the Ranong detention center, according to FE5 Tanintharyi, based in the Tanintharyi Region.
According to Ko Kyaw, an official of FE5 Tanintharyi, among the migrant workers who have returned to Kawthoung, those eligible for military service have been sent for training in Tanintharyi since the 3rd batch. Those above the military age are allowed to return to their hometowns.
He said, “Most of the undocumented Myanmar people sent back to Ranong by Thai authorities are conscripted. I cannot reveal the exact number, but only those above the military age are allowed to return home. The majority of the youth are unable to go back.”
According to a report by FE5 Tanintharyi, a total of 2,005 Myanmar migrant workers were repatriated from the Ranong detention center in Thailand to Kawthoung between 10 January and 18 December 2024.
In addition, according to a report by FE5 Tanintharyi, 149 Myanmar migrant workers from Ranong Province were sent to Kawthoung on 22 January 2025.
A family member of a migrant worker from Phayathonesu stated that there are growing concerns as the Thai government tightens arrests and checks on undocumented Myanmar workers crossing the border. They are particularly worried about the forced recruitment by the military council on the Myanmar side after these workers are arrested.
The family member said, “At this time, those who sneak in are digging their own graves. They are bound to get arrested at any cost. Most of the targeted individuals are those under 40. The majority of people at the border are Arakanese and Hindu people.”
Due to the military council’s people’s military service rule and the collection of data for female military service, the number of people fleeing to nearby countries has been rising, along with an increase in the number of young people being arrested.
As the number of individuals joining the military service as substitutes declines in Mon State, the military council is using all available means to meet the trainee quota required for military training. Most of the migrant workers being recruited through financial incentives are involved in this effort.
Sent by IMNA
