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Arrest of Illegal Immigrant Workers



                   Arrest of Illegal Immigrant Workers in Maesod

                     Datelined Maesod - January 7, 1998

It has now been more than a month since the Thai authorities have been
arresting illegal immigrant workers in Maesod township. Beginning from the
past few days,  authorities have stepped up the arrest. This morning
(January 7,1998), the police and border police troops began the arrest at 4
a.m. in some areas, with house to house searches, after setting up a
cordon. The  activities went on until 10 a.m.

Normally, the Burmese arrested are taken to the immigration office for
registration and then  to the half-way point on the Thai-Burma Friendship
Bridge. Soon after the Thai authorities turned their back, it is not
unusual to see about half of the deportees to hurry back to the Thai
immigration office near the bridge and get the passes to Maesod. 
 
	Those who return to the other side are normally refused entry by the
Burmese soldiers manning the check-point and, as a result, most of them
have to sneak back into Thai territory. 

	The Thai authorities have now taken more drastic action against those who
try to flee. A young woman was seen beaten by Thai police this morning for
the attempt. 

	The arrests taking place this morning were areas around Maesod market and
places where the Muslim community is predominant. Those arrested from
houses could take only a few of their possessions with them. It is said
that the Thai police confiscated some of the belongings carried by those
arrested. The number arrested today was about 700.
 
  COMMUNICATION  CENTER  IN  THAILAND

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