Arbitrary arrests of Burmese migrant workers continue happening in Chiang Mai, with many saying that the Thai police would only release them after a protection fee was paid.

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, has been home for many years to thousands of Burmese migrants. Since the military coup earlier this month, Thai security police have been conducting random raids around the city and detaining people without identification cards. Despite these reports, the new ruling junta has denied that any crackdown against undocumented migrants is taking place.

Full story is here:

http://www.dvb.no/news/arbitrary-arrests-of-burmese-migrants-continue-in-chiang-mai-burma-myanmar/41632

And very soon, if they keep this up there will not be enough workers to complete all the construction projects around the city.

I was in Warorot Market yesterday and was really surprised to hear people suddenly say "plain clothes policemen".

They apparently stopped in a vehicle (maybe 2) and went in a couple of shops nearby and then drove off shortly after. Didn't see completely what happened but according to shop owner happening quite frequently. This is something I have never seen before in the main market.

http://www.dvb.no/news/thai-police-raid-burmese-neighbourhood-in-chiang-mai-for-illegal-migrants-burma-thailand/41458

And very soon, if they keep this up there will not be enough workers to complete all the construction projects around the city.

construction has already come to a halt at many C.M. construction sites.

at the area near JJ Market where the day laborers used to go to get jobs, they have been run out and the area has been reinforced with barbed wire and a huge sign from the government.

And very soon, if they keep this up there will not be enough workers to complete all the construction projects around the city.

construction has already come to a halt at many C.M. construction sites.

at the area near JJ Market where the day laborers used to go to get jobs, they have been run out and the area has been reinforced with barbed wire and a huge sign from the government.

Photo of the sign?

Which government?

And very soon, if they keep this up there will not be enough workers to complete all the construction projects around the city.

construction has already come to a halt at many C.M. construction sites.

at the area near JJ Market where the day laborers used to go to get jobs, they have been run out and the area has been reinforced with barbed wire and a huge sign from the government.

Photo of the sign?

Which government?

no i don't have a photo of the sign. you can see it out front of the lot. those in charge i imagine....or possibly C.M. immigration or police. i drove past it, couldn't study it too closely.

If you say the live military TV program last night you will have seen a major about turn on illegal workers even to the extent that illegals currently here may be given amnesty and there is a broad push to bring the others back, trying to replace the rug that was pulled from under the countries construction industries etc.

"Interested parties" were blamed for the exodus. Suggesting those "interested parties" started the rumors so that the illegals would leave and then the "interested parties" could get relocation fees from the illegals again!?

About 5 minutes were spent on the workers exodus and what the junta will do to repair the damage. Goes to show just what a huge impact this exodus has had on Thailand.

As for tourism, the total time was maybe 2 seconds with the comment that it is improving!

Not wishing to be a killjoy but this is hardly an independent source (originating as it is from Burmese linked media). When did an undocumented worker become a migrant? Even lawfully documented Thaivisa posters are for them most part at best temporary migrants. Detaining (only) undocumented or poorly documented workers is hardly arbitrary arrest.

The plight of groups of Burmese nationals is well known, and the recent report on Thailand and trafficking is also well known but that is not to suggest that all actions against Burmese nationals should be limited.

Having a quick look at the web link it did not seem to report that undocumented Burmese had been in clashes with Rangers while doing drug runs for years.

Corruption to get out of detention is another matter altogether, and although I am loathe to support any coup related actions it does seem (in these very early stages) that the military is taking some tentative steps (albeit yet to produce anything concrete) to limit/reduce corruption..

If we were to swap references of Houston/London/Sydney for Chiang Mai" and swap Mexican/Romanian/Iranian for "Burmese would this be as much concern?

Did like the comment after Oscar's web link:

So when is the Burmese police going to raid Chinese neighbourhoods in Burmese towns (is Wa State still part of Burma?) to check on illegal Chinese migrants engaged in smuggling, gambling, bride-trafficking, etc.?