25 Burmese arrested for allegedly crossing the Thai-Myanmar border illegally

Military and police patrol arrested 25 Burmese people for allegedly crossing the Thai-Myanmar border illegally to Kanchanaburi’s Muang district. With Covid-19 cases rising by more than 1,000 each day in the neighbouring country, some Thais fear that migrants crossing the border illegally, avoiding the mandatory 14 day quarantine, could potentially spread the virus to people in Thailand.

Covid-19 fears were also heightened after 17 Thais illegally crossed the border from the border town Tachileik, dodging quarantine and Covid-19 screening, and later tested positive for the virus. The infected returnees could possibly face charges with harsh punishments for crossing the border illegally and endangering public health.

Patrol officers say they found the 25 migrants hiding in the bushes near the natural border crossing in the Phu Nam Ron village. The 14 Burmese men and 11 Burmese women were taken to the district’s health office for a screening process. Officials say none of the migrants had a high fever. They were then sent to the police station and may face charges.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post