Broker arrested Burmese migrant woman due to stopping paying a monthly fee of 200 Baht
Tuesday, 23 February 2010 09:48
Daw Khin Soe, a 49 year old house maid from near Wihtinaing market, Kyown Phaw Town, Souther Thailand was arrested by police on a motorbike following a call from Phi More, 30, a broker who had previously organized a working ID for Daw Khin Soe.
Soe Win Hlaing, son of Daw Khin Soe said; “My mother organized her work ID through Phi Moe and she had paid the 5,000Baht fee in full. Phi Moe had further charged a 200Baht monthly fee from 7 migrant workers whom she had made work IDs for but who were unable to speak Thai. My mother gave almost 6 months of fees but then she was arrested after stopping paying the monthly charge. She was arrested because of disobedience; I heard she was sentenced to 10 days, now my mother was in jail but I only just found out yesterday when I made an enquiry.”
Daw Khin Soe, a widow from Zayakone village, Man Aung Township, Arakan State who has two younger sons came to Kyown Phaw, Thailand only 2 years ago.
After seeking for almost 2 days, Soe Win Hlaing had met his mother at Lian Chan prison, Kyown Phaw. According to the authorities of prison, she would be released on the 8th of February but both sons were worried as they did not know where she would be sent to.
Thousands of Burmese migrant workers staying in Kyown Phaw and Pharnan Peik Sea pot who have had legal work IDs made are worried that a broker who has organized work IDs for migrant workers has made friends with the police and caused the arrest of a worker.
According to workers from Kyown Phaw, this Thai lady – who managed to get Daw Khin Soe arrested – has been asking any Burmese migrant workers that she sees on the roads, harbour, train and bus station whether they have legal documents and calling the police and trying to extort money from the victims.
Some of the legal aid organizations have been preparing to help seek protection through the law and providing legal assistance.
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