Mizzima
Residents and boat drivers have reported a significant increase in the number of people traveling to Ranong in Thailand via Tanintharyi’s Kawthaung Town following the announcement of the Military Conscription Law by the Myanmar junta.
According to boat drivers in Kawthaung, the number of individuals crossing the border from Kawthaung to Ranong has tripled. Previously, there were only about 100 people per day, but now the count ranges from 300 to 500.
Furthermore, boat drivers noted that there is a higher proportion of young people aged between 18 and 30 among those traveling from Kawthaung to Ranong.
“A minimum of 300 and a maximum of 500 people were observed crossing the border from Kawthaung in just three days. This is significantly higher than usual,” said a woman who operates travel services in Ranong, Thailand.
“Normally, there aren’t as many travelers crossing the border. Previously, it was mainly tourists and residents of Kawthaung coming in and out. Now, we’re seeing a noticeable increase in the number of young people who are not residents of the town,” said Ko Babulay, who operates the Kawthaung-Ranong boat service.
Residents of Ranong explained that tourists obtaining a seven-day visit permit must pay 1,000 kyats for an identification document on the Myanmar side, 100 baht for the boat ride, 100 baht for additional documents on the Thai side, and 2,000 baht security deposit at the checkpoint.
Due to Myanmar military conscription law, a significant number of young people in the Tanintharyi Region are leaving for neighbouring Thailand through the Kawthaung-Ranong border gate. Passenger bus companies have reported that several Military Council checkpoints have detained young people from Dawei and Myeik who are traveling to Kawthaung to reach the Thai border.
