Burmese workers deported by Thai authorities

DVB - December 18, 2003

Burmese migrant workers who were forcibly arrested by the Thai authority at the border town Maesod on 16 December were handed over to Burmese authorities in nearby Myawaddy the following day.

Before the deportation, two leaders of the workers were beaten up thoroughly in a prison cell by a thug hired by the local Thai immigration department, according to an eye witness.

A spokesman of Burmese workers in Thailand, Ko Moe Swe said that the Thai employers have been trying to break the movements of the workers and some Burmese workers were killed by thugs hired by the employers in the past for complaining to the tribunals and telling their plights to the media.

Thai security forces including the police are guarding the garment factory which fired the workers for fear of violent retaliation.

Workers were attacked by Thai police, army, thugs hired by immigration department before they were arrested and their possessions were confiscated.