Myanmar nationals warned of legal action for illegal entry into Thailand

19-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has issued a warning that Myanmar citizens entering Thailand illegally will face legal consequences. The caution comes as the number of Myanmar nationals seeking visas to enter Thailand has surged following the ruling military’s announcement of mandatory military conscription for young people starting from April.

While expressing a warm welcome to those who enter the country legally, Prime Minister Srettha emphasized that individuals sneaking into Thailand without proper documentation will be subject to legal action. He further revealed that he has already engaged in discussions with security agencies on the matter.

The prime minister sought to address concerns that the influx of Myanmar immigrants might lead to unemployment among locals. He highlighted that one of the primary reasons Myanmar citizens are fleeing to Thailand is to evade mandatory military service. Additionally, he pointed out that Thailand’s unemployment rate is currently below 1% and that the country requires a significant number of laborers from neighboring nations. However, he stressed the importance of following the proper procedures for legal employment in Thailand.

Anusorn Tamajai, chairman of the executive committee of the Pridi Banomyong Institute at Thammasat University, warned that the conscription of young people in Myanmar would also affect workers entering Thailand through bilateral agreements between the two countries, potentially causing labor shortages in specific industries.

As a result of the conscription policy, Thailand is expected to experience a rise in the number of Myanmar nationals entering and working illegally in the country, added Tamajai.

To manage the surge of Myanmar citizens seeking refuge in Thailand, the Thai embassy in Myanmar announced on its Facebook account that it would only accept 400 visa applications per day, effective from last Thursday. The embassy also stated that Myanmar passport holders can enter Thailand for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 14 days.

Sources in Myanmar reported that a significant number of Myanmar nationals have been flocking to the Thai embassy in Yangon to apply for visas, estimated at around a thousand individuals per day.

According to Reuters, Myanmar’s ruling military plans to enforce mandatory military service for young people starting in April. Retired security personnel will also be required to serve as the army continues its efforts to suppress anti-junta insurgency.

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been embroiled in a state of turmoil.

Last Saturday, the junta announced the enforcement of a law mandating military service for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 for a period of up to two years, starting in April. A conscription law was introduced in 2010 but was not previously enforced.