Fear of migrants joining anti-Thai government protests

by Usa Pichai
Thursday, 26 November 2009 12:04

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Apprehensive that Burmese migrant workers may join anti-government demonstrations, Thai officials have imposed restrictions along the border.

Lt Gen Thanongsak Apirakyothin, Commander of the Thai Third Army said on Wednesday that the army has ordered officials along the Thai-Burma border in Northern Thailand to impose restrictions. The directives follow a report that migrant workers from neighbouring countries may join anti-government demonstrations likely in Chiang Mai and Bangkok against Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva. The PM is scheduled to visit Chiang Mai on Saturday to attend the annual Thailand Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Lt Gen Thanongsak, however, dismissed a rumour that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra may enter the country illegally through the northern border at the end of this month, according to a report in Thai News Agency’s website.

Suthep Thaugsuban, Deputy Prime Minister said he felt the PM should avoid going to Chiang Mai because the red-shirts there had past records of resorting to violence. He feared that the red-shirts in Chiang Mai and Bangkok were cooperating to incite unrest and instigate violence.

However, if Abhisit insists he should go, Suthep said he would propose the Internal Security Act be imposed in Chiang Mai without inconveniencing people there. He said he was more concerned about the red shirts inciting unrest. He was confident security agencies could protect the PM.

"A small clash can snowball into a big issue. I have been assigned to monitor the situation closely and cooperate with local authorities because the PM would like to go there since he believes it would help in restoring the confidence of the private sector,'' he said.

However, the leader of the red-shirt group announced on Wednesday that the protests in Bangkok will be postponed. The announcement seemingly follows fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra suggesting it was not the right time to assemble. However, officials will still increase surveillance for any unseemly incidents.

The government will impose the Internal Security Act in Bangkok from Saturday November 28 to December 14 even though the red shirts said yesterday they will defer their planned rally indefinitely.

Jeerasak Sukonthachart, Director of Thailand’s Department of Employment said that the authorities have warned employers to prevent their migrant workers from joining political demonstrations because it is illegal.

According to Thai law, migrant workers could join demonstrations if they are not linked with politics or national security. If they are found among red-shirt demonstrators they would be repatriated to their country and the employer will face trial.