By Thai Newsroom Reporters
TWENTY-TWO ARMY units are currently conducting patrols along the Thai-Myanmar border to keep aliens from illegally entering Thai territory in Chiang Rai province.
Maj Gen Thanatphol Kosaisewee confirmed today (July 7) the 22 units attached to the army’s Pha Muang task force have been stepping up border patrols to keep out any aliens who might otherwise slip into Thai territory in Mae Sai district of the northern province through natural borderlines.
Some had swam across Sai River or canals and others had trekked across mountainous terrains to get into Mae Sai district in such illegal fashion, according to Maj Gen Thanaphol.
Besides, solar-powered spotlights have been erected at 17 spots along the borderlines to shed light for authorities to see at night and more barbed wires have also been installed.
A total of 95 aliens, mostly being job-seeking migrant workers, have crossed natural borderlines in the northern province only to be arrested and returned to Myanmar since last April.
Pha Muang task force has been primarily assigned to combat suspected drug traffickers in border areas of the northern region of the country.
CAPTION:
Top: The border post at Mae Sai. This is the Thai side looking into Myanmar with the blue arch being the beginning of the neighbouring country. Photo: Michael Scalet (CC BY-SA 2.0)
