Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
November 7, 2003

After being repatriated by Thai authorities, Burmese migrant workers were
forced by the Burmese border authorities to pay 1000 baht each at Myawady
border gate.

"Over one hundred of us were arrested by the Thai authorities in Bangkok on
4 November and sent to Mae Sot and on to Myawady where Military Intelligence, DKBA and Mon ceasefire group demanded 1000 baht from each person. Those who were unable to pay were harassed and detained by them", said Ko Tun Tun Oo who was himself arrested for not being able to pay. The relatives of those detained for inability to pay were forced to pay the required amount as a ransom for retrieving the detainees, he added.Burmese workers on their way to Thailand are subjected to a similar procedure and asked to pay Kyats at the check points between Mae Sot and Myawady.

Reportedly, a border security group named Na Sa Ka was involved in extorting
money from migrant workers. This group was formed by Burma’s Military Intelligence Chief General Khin Nyunt in 2001, while he was still the Secretary (1) of SPDC. It comprises the police, military, intelligence, immigration, forest and revenue officials as well as members of ceasefire groups like the DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Association).

According to estimates, out of two million Burmese migrant workers in Thailand only about 200,000 hold legal work permits.