Thai coup has had no effect on border trade: official

 

Migrant workers, however, are facing a host of problems stemming from the political conflict in their host country, groups representing them say. 

“There has been no impact on border trade from Thailand’s political situation,” said Thein Tun Oo, director of Tachilek Border Crossing in Shan State. 

He said border trade totaled more than US$11 million from May 1 to 28. “Trading has not been interrupted,” he said, adding that the amount last month was double what it was in the same month a year ago. Trade in March and April was $10 million and $7.8 million respectively, he added. 

Border trade in Taninthari Region was also proceeding normally at both its crossings, Ranong and Mawtaung, Thein Tun said. The only problem is the curfew restricts vehicles from crossing the border. Ranong’s trade is primarily marine and this is unaffected by the curfews, officials there said. 

In the long term, however, some economists warn that instability in Thailand could affect Myanmar as well as the region as a whole. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is plans to launch a the ASEAN Economic Community next year could be affected by the political situation in Thailand, they warn. Moreover, with Thailand under military rule it will face economic sanctions from Western governments, and this could dampen the economies throughout the regions, economist Thein Myint Wai said. 

The coup has had an immediate impact on migrant workers in Thailand, according to reports from them. After six months of civil unrest, the Thai military declared martial law on May 19 and then seized state power three days later. 

Migrant workers, especially those who cross the Myawaddy border point daily for work in Thailand’s Mae Sot province, say their incomes are taking a hit. 

“People who work at night face difficulties due to the curfew,” said Moe Gyoe, chairman of a nongovernmental group that helps migrant workers. The curfew, which begins at midnight, prevents them from working overtime, he said, adding that overtime boosts wages from 180 baht to 300 baht per day. 

Migrant workers have also complained that commodity prices have shot up in Thailand due to the civil unrest the precipitated the coup. 

The closure of jetties on the Mori River near the Myawaddy border crossing have also made it difficult for workers to remit funds to families, Moe Gyoe said. Despite the hardsips, however, few migrant workers are returning from Thailand, he added. “Most are staying put, whether they have legal documents or not,” he said. 

Min Hlaing, chairman of the Federation of Overseas Employment Agencies, said official recruitment from Thailand had fallen considerably since unrest broke out. 

It is estimated that about four million Myanmar migrants are working in Thailand, with about half of them doing so illegally. Frequently, they work in construction sites, farms and as domestic helpers.