Thursday, 21 January 2010 19:09 Mizzima News
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - The Thai government proposes to come down heavily on some Burmese political organizations working in the guise of social outfits.
It will investigate and initiate action against these organizations.
Tak Province Governor Samak Loipha said on January 19 at a press conference on the Thai-Burma border town of Mae Sod that the government would take action against some Burmese political organizations working in the guise of social outfits.
At the press conference, where Burmese opposition groups were not invited, the governor, however, said organizations working in the sectors of health and education will be allowed to function.
Though the reason behind the sudden warning is still not clear, Mae Sod based Yaung Chi Oo labour organization Secretary Moe Swe said growing labour protests in Mae Sod could be one of the reasons.
Besides Thai businessmen and the Burmese junta frequently complain about Burmese opposition politicians being sheltered on Thai soil, he said.
“Action can follow the warning. At border committee meetings, traders’ associations sometimes apply pressure on the Thai government because the junta views all social, health, education and welfare associations as part of opposition groups”, he told Mizzima.
Former ‘All Burma Students Democratic Front’ (ABSDF) members are also becoming involved in social activities assuming it is their responsibility to do so for the Burmese people, ABSDF Chairman Than Ke said.
“For our members working in these social networks, this warning is really disappointing. Anyway, I feel, no harassment and pressure can stop these social works and activities,” he said.
Small organizations claiming to work for labour affairs are growing on the Thai-Burma border town Mae Soe, local residents said.
Mae Sod is a major city, which not only has health, education and labour rights organizations helping migrants’ workers but hosts many Burmese political opposition groups.
The number of migrant workers working in Mae Sod factories accounts for hundreds of thousands. There are over 100 organizations working for these migrant workers.
Friday, January 22, 2010
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