Hundreds of Shan migrant workers in Chiangmai have been arrested when Thai authorities conducted an immigration raid in buildings resided by Shan migrant workers since yesterday.
By Hseng Khio Fah
11 February 2009
At least over 200 workers from several places were arrested by police and local Thai troops just yesterday.
The raided places were Land and House, Kanjanood camp # 2 in Doi Saket district, Huey Sai and Mae Joe where a Thai student was raped and murdered on 7 February.
Those holding labor registration documents were released.
The current raids are different from those in the past, said a worker. Before, there was no physical abuse and threat to the migrant workers. Yesterday, the authorities beat and fired at workers who tried to escape.
“I was kicked at my waist and my phone was broken,” said a worker in Huey Sai. “Some of my friends were punched and some were beaten with a hammer.”
The reason for the raids was not disclosed, but authorities claim they are cracking down on illegal workers. Several sources have confirmed authorities are still raiding at the time of this reporting.
At 11:00, today, over 20 workers from Kanjanood (2), Doi Saket district were arrested again, said a worker.
“If people try to run away, they [authorities] fire at them. If they are caught, they are beaten,” she said.
Concerning the mass raiding of the Thai police, sources agree it could be connected to 7 February rape and murder.
Last Saturday, a Thai student from Mae Joe University was raped and murdered by two migrant workers, according to Chiang Mai News.
Thousands of students from the University later demonstrated and handed a letter to the provincial authorities to drive out all migrant workers from the country.
“If raids are staged because of this crime, it is not fair,” said a worker. “They should arrest only the perpetrators and punish them but not all the migrant workers.”
Following the incident, some workers were dismissed out from their jobs, and others were facing difficulties to apply for any jobs, according to many workers.
It is estimated that there are around 50,000 to 100,000 migrants working in Chiang Mai, according to Migrant Assistance Program (MAP).
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