MYANMAR migrant workers in Thailand are not sure to return home during Thingyan holidays as the Kingdom has postponed its Songkran festival this year to contain the outbreak of Covid-19.

The Myanmar embassy in Bangkok has advised that the migrant workers should not go back to their homes this year.

“Thai government will not give re-entry visas exemption to migrant workers who returned to the countries of origin this year. They must pay 1000 baht when they came back here,” said Ko Phoe Zaw Myint, a Myanmar migrant worker in Bangkok.

These workers also hesitated to return home because they would be put in quarantine when they arrived back in Thailand.

“We should not turn into disease carriers between the two countries and that it will be better for us to stay here this year,” Phoe Zaw Myint added.

Myanmar overseas employment agencies have suspended their workw on 18 March.

“Myanmar Consulate Office in Chiang Mai has informed our citizens to be alert to announcement for the pandemic and released contact phone numbers for emergency help,” said Ma Cho Zin Thal who is working in the northern Thai city.

The Labour Ministry of Thailand announced yesterday about 60-day visa extension for its migrant workers whose labour documents will expire on 31 March.—Khin Yadanar (Translated by Aung Khin)