Illicit Lao migration reaches 'acute' level

NAN : The illegal entry of Lao migrant workers along the Thai-Lao border is becoming acute, authorities say. Security sources yesterday said migrant workers from Laos crossed the border through mountainous areas in Chalerm Prakiat, Song Khwer, Bo Klue and Thung Chang districts.

More than 500 Lao immigrant workers are arrested for illegal entry in the province each year.

The sources said Lao workers were smuggled into the province by illegal job placement agents. They fled poverty in their own country and paid the agents to find them jobs in Nan and neighbouring provinces.

Nan provincial police chief Methi Kusolsang said some Thais in the province contacted relatives on the Lao side encouraging them to cross over to find better-earning work here on farms, in factories and on construction sites.

Pol Maj Gen Methi said Lao migrants were a pool of cheap labour, popular with local employers.

Crime rates involving Lao workers were low, although police had caught some Laos workers paid to smuggle in drugs.

After illegal workers crossed into the province, they were gathered in groups of five to 10 and sent on trucks to work.

Most illegal workers were aged 12 to 50 and were mainly from Laos's Sayaboury province.

The number of illegal migrants workers increases between January and June, then falls off before rising again in September, Pol Maj Gen Methi said.

Treacherous mountains make it difficult for authorities to tackle the illegal entry problem. Some local people also conspire with Lao workers to offer them transport.