Thai Raids in Border Town of Mae Sot Net 200 Myanmar Nationals and Stateless Persons
BANGKOK — Thai police said more than 200 Myanmar nationals and stateless persons were arrested in early-morning raids on October 17 in Mae Sot, Tak province, on the Thailand-Myanmar border. The operation, named “Mae Sot Dawn,” involved Thai police, administrative officials and immigration officers, who simultaneously inspected more than 20 locations including residential neighbourhoods, houses, hotels and guesthouses.
Those arrested included residents of the Thung Thong neighbourhood, where many Myanmar migrants live. Thai authorities said the operation was intended not only to identify undocumented migrants but also to investigate individuals potentially connected to online scam operations in the Mae Sot area. The 200 arrestees are accused of offences under Thailand's Immigration Act 1979 and were sent to Mae Sot Police Station for legal proceedings; Mae Sot and Tak provincial investigators were ordered to continue gathering evidence and expand the investigation. Police said the continuing campaign aims to reduce crime and threats to public safety in the border area.
Separately, on the afternoon of October 14, Thai immigration officers inspected automobile repair shops, construction sites and beauty salons in Mae Sot's Phra That Pha Daeng and Tha Sai Luat areas, arresting four Myanmar nationals for allegedly working without authorisation.
Sources: Thai police via SiamRath and ASEAN NOW; m.CDM
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 泰缅友谊桥（Mae Sot 边境口岸）。Photo by Mikhail Esteves, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
