Burmese migrant workers in Thailand to be allowed to drive
Posted on November 5, 2009
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Driving in Mae Sot
Getting around Mae Sot could soon be much easier for Burmese migrant workers after the Thai government decided to allow them to possess cars and motorcycles.
The Democratic Voice of Burma reports the Department of Road Transport is preparing to accept vehicle registration for migrants with temporary resident cards.
Until now, Burmese migrants did not have the right to posses or drive a vehicle. If caught by Thai police, they were fined or forced to pay heavy bribes.
However, holders of temporary resident cards will now be able to get a driver’s license, while migrants without the card will need a recommendation from their employer.
There are believed to be around two million Burmese migrant workers in Thailand, many living in border towns like Mae Sot. Fear of the authorities forces many of them to restrict their movements.
DVB quotes Htoo Chit, director of Thailand-based Grassroots Human Rights Education and Development organisation, as welcoming the registration plan but he voiced concerns over safety.
“Burmese migrants sustain injuries from road accidents almost every day because they don’t know Thai traffic regulations,” he said.
“We think it’s important for them to know the regulations…so we are now planning training for them. We will officially deal with Thai traffic police department to organize the training.”
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