Burmese workers in thousands throng Ranong concert

Saturday, 30 January 2010 15:49 Usa Pichai

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - In the midst of tight security, Burmese migrant workers in thousands attended a concert by Burma’s top singers in Thailand’s Ranong province bordering Kawthong in Burma on January 28 and 29.

Gen. Wipas Tansuhat, Chairman, Thailand-Burma Economic and Cultural Association, the organizers of a charity concert ‘Culture without Border’ said that the concert was aimed at fostering a good relationship between Thailand and Burma. Part of the money from sale of tickets will be used for charitable activities.

“Regarding security concerns of the local authorities the organizers cooperated with the local police and the army to check for arms, drugs or other illegal items being carried into the concert. We have experience in organizing this concert in several provinces in Thailand such as in Tak and Kanchanaburi and we had no problems,” he was reported as saying by a Thai news website Manager on Thursday.

Earlier, it was being said local officials in Ranong were concerned about security because there was a chance that a large number of Burmese workers, who attended the concert, could become unruly and urged revision of permission for the concert.

On Friday, a Burmese, who attended the concert on Thursday, told Mizzima over telephone that such was the interest among Burmese workers in Ranong, that tickets were sold out.

“It was a good opportunity for us to join a live concert of our favourite singers. Part of the money is to be donated to charity and for a temple construction,” he said.

The ambience at the concert was great despite the officials being strict in carrying out checks on the audience. “It was crowded but we focused on our favourite singers,” he added.

Last week, their CD was sold in Ranong. Besides, before the concert started on Thursday afternoon, the organizers took the singers to the migrant community in Maung district to meet fans, increasing interest among Burmese workers in the area.

The concert was held in two districts of Ranong -- Kraburi and Maung on January 28 and 29 from 6 p.m. to midnight. About 3,000 tickets were sold for each stage [two rounds in each place]. There were several Burmese singers, particularly Arzarni and L Sai zi, the main singers at the concert. They are immensely popular in Burma.