Koh Phala Aeh and Ma Mupa both aged 20, a Burmese couple of Karen origin who had been employed in Bangkok for over two years were arrested by the SDPC

Koh Phala Aeh and Ma Mupa both aged 20, a Burmese couple of Karen origin who had been employed in Bangkok for over two years were arrested by the SDPC after attempting to apply for a passport at the Mae-Sai

2009 September 16
tags: Burma, Junta, migrants, Myanmar, Thailand, world focus on Burmaby peacerunningBurmese Husband and Wife Facing Trouble after Passport Application.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009 04:24
On the second of September Koh Phala Aeh and Ma Mupa both aged 20, a Burmese couple of Karen origin who had been employed in Bangkok for over two years were arrested by the SDPC after attempting to apply for a passport at the Mae-Sai – Tachilake border despite promises by the Burmese Immigration Department that they would not “arrest those who apply for a passport.”
The couple were forced to apply for a Burmese passport after the Thai government refused to extend current work visas which are set to expire in February 2010. The couples friend Ma Tin Tin who resides in Bangkok stated that she had been in contact with Ma Mupa who had asked her to take care of the couple’s children, Ma Tin Tin also voiced the fears of many Burmese workers saying that many will now refuse to make the border crossing for fear of being detained by the SDPC leaving their future status in jeopardy. Ma Tin Tin and the couples boss attempted to contact the Burmese Citizens office to inquire about the status of the couple but they were met with a staunch “we know nothing.” The Eleven Journal estimates that 535 people have attempted to gain a passport at each of the 3 border areas, however this is in direct contradiction with the Burmese Government figures which estimate that 200 people attempt to cross daily, these discrepancies coupled with the cost which is often in excess of 3000 baht leaves many migrants who’s work visas expire in Febuary 2010 with few options.
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