Hurry to help Thai people in Laok Kai fully.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson reiterates that all sectors are rushing to fully assist Thai people in Laok Kai, stating that 41 people are in the process of being screened according to Myanmar law. After returning to Thailand, they will check again whether they are victims of human trafficking or not.

Mrs. Kanchana Phattharachoke, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on the progress of helping Thai people from Laok Kai town, Shan State, Myanmar, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been following up on this matter since the beginning. Fighting broke out in the area. It is a sensitive matter of information. Because it is a situation of fighting between the Myanmar government and ethnic minorities in the area. Some incidents were conflicts between ethnic minorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken full steps to help Thai people. But the situation is not easy and not Can leave the area along the way to be transported immediately to the border. It was found that some nations had already arrived at the border. But can't come out You have to go back in. Therefore, please trust that the Thai authorities are trying their best.

“As for the group that escaped from Lao Kai before the fighting incident, 41 people went to Wa Daeng. Through the Myanmar authorities, they helped send them to Chiang Tung. At first, Thai authorities expected it to be able to be moved to Tachileik. to cross the border to Thailand But it appears that he still cannot return because of the screening process from the Myanmar side. There was also an incident where the Myanmar government cracked down on capitalist groups. organized crime call center group Therefore there is a strict legal screening process. However, all 41 Thai people have been sent to safety. Please remain calm and wait for the time when all parties, including the army, police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, do their utmost to allow Thai people to return to their country quickly,” said a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.

Mrs. Kanchana said that from the statistics or groups that had been in the military camp and moved to the hospital under the care of the school authorities, there were 165 people, a group that had already been released by the employer. Stay in a safe place. They are waiting to be sent to reunite with a large group of 89 Thai people. Both groups already have 254 people together. Yangon authorities have already verified their nationality and issued emergency travel documents. Ready to travel back to Thailand The groups that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned about are those whose employers have not yet released them and are still in the work area. It is estimated that there are 40 - 50 people remaining who will continue to help. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working with the Emmanuel Foundation on the ground. Ready to arrange a budget about food for Thai people as well

“I understand the anxiety of people in the area. But please understand that this is a special combat situation. Confirm that we are doing everything we can to help Thai people. Please wait. When you return to Thailand, the Thai authorities will screen you again to see if you are really a victim of human trafficking or not. Or is it a group that enters willingly? Go into the call center process It is important to ascertain whether it was a voluntary person or a forced victim,” said a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.

As for whether the 41 Thai people will be able to return today or not, Mrs. Kanchana said that it cannot yet be confirmed. Depends on permission from Myanmar which the Thai authorities are fully expediting

When asked if the Myanmar authorities did not release him because he entered illegally or not. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said entering the area was not easy. Because it's not a tourist attraction. People who enter may have to dissect employment for either 41 people or 254 people, or other people must continue to help. Should be divided into 3 groups: entering voluntarily and know that it is a call center or groups that go into other work Not a call center or groups that are victims of human trafficking taken for prostitution There are both conscious and unconscious.

“But what we're trying to do is get them to come out first. For the safety of various groups and must respect the laws of each country. As for the earthquake in Myanmar, all 41 Thai people are safe and we are rushing to provide assistance. There's no chance of slowing down. We are rushing in every possible way,” Mrs. Kanchana said.

When asked about the number of 40-50 Thai people who are still being forced to work by their employers. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the embassy had been contacted but had lost contact. Not sure if he is still with his employer or has fled. As for the matter of employers, it is the enforcement of Myanmar law. Recently, there has been cooperation between the Chinese authorities and the Myanmar authorities in cracking down on various networks.

“In the past, being tricked into working abroad didn't just happen in Myanmar. But there are still many other countries such as Cambodia and Dubai where it has been found that Thai women have been deceived or have gone and their employment conditions are not as expected. I would like to warn you to make sure it is a normal area or not. Was the salary received abnormally? or would like to inquire to Provincial labor Ministry of Labor or inquire with the Department of Consular Affairs. which also has an online channel,” Mrs. Kanchana said.

Source: Thai News Agency