Thai officials, in the western border province of Tak, held a special meeting today in preparation for the repatriation of about 50,000 migrant workers from Myanmar.

Between 1,500 and 2,000 migrant workers are expected to return home each day via the Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge, in Tambon Tha Sai Luad in Mae Sod district, beginning tomorrow (Saturday).

According to Tak’s Deputy Governor Supamit Paorik, most of the migrant workers have been laid off by their employers after several types of business were shut down in mid-March, as part of the lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

They have remained stranded in Thailand by travel restrictions and border closures imposed for the same reason.

During their journey to the border from other provinces, the migrant workers will be allowed just one stopover, in the central province of Nakhon Sawan, and they must strictly maintain social distancing.

It is reported that the workers will be allowed to travel during the curfew, but they must have permission from the authorities.