Myanmar schools targeted in Thailand amid migrant worker crackdown
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Hsu/ Yoon (NP News) - Oct 10
A spokesperson for Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand reported to NP News that there have been an increased arrests on independent Myanmar schools in Thailand this year, likely due to complaints from Thai citizens.
It has been reported that extreme nationalist groups in Thailand have harassed and intimidated migrant workers running independent businesses, and have also filed numerous complaints against schools where the children of Myanmar migrant workers are studying.
The crackdown on Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand has led to a surge in arrests involving shops and schools opened by members of the community, including those without proper documentation.
"In the past, there weren't as many school arrests like this. It's only recently that the number of arrests has increased. The main reason is because complaints have been filed by Thai people, leading to these arrests. This year, the arrests have increased," said the spokesperson for Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.
According to reports, several schools serving the children of migrant workers from countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos were found to be operating illegally in Thailand. Authorities conducted raids on these schools, resulting in arrests and the closure of the institutions.
"Any child can study in Thai government schools for free. It's not just for Myanmar children, but also for Cambodian and Laotian children. So the children of these schools that got arrested have access to free education in Thai government schools. However, there are also a few schools that were arrested. The main reason for the arrests is that these schools were operating illegally. There are also new schools opening under the supervision of NGOs, so they are not affected. But schools that operate independently, without any backing, are the ones facing arrests. It's primarily because they are operating illegally. Myanmar migrant workers are doing jobs they aren't allowed to do, and that's why they're being arrested," the spokesperson explained.
Additionally, on October 3, Thai authorities raided and arrested a school circle providing education to children of Myanmar migrant workers in Chumphon district, Thailand.
Similarly, in September, Thai authorities also shut down and took action against seven Myanmar schools, including "Metta Yate School" in Surat Thani district.