ENGLISH DEYEA NEWS

by Zarni | Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – In the backdrop of the political turbulence engulfing Thailand observers have come up with a list of 'Dos' and 'Don'ts' for Burmese citizens in residence in the country.

Though the current political situation in Thailand is not directly linked to the Burmese in the country, security is being beefed up in the midst of rising tension between the two factions of protesters – pro-government and anti-government.

"The current chaos will lead to total anarchy. Even in normal times when the government has a firm grip on the entire country, Burmese citizens were frequently harassed. So we should be in groups together," Thai based Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN) editor Khuensai Jaiyen told Mizzima.

At least two million Burmese work in Thailand of which only one fourth have valid work permits.

More arrests of illegal migrant workers are likely, Khuensai Jaiyen said.

"Now they do not have enough time to ascertain the cases regardless of our good conduct and behaviour. And then local tyrants can bully and harass us. So we should not go outside alone but in small groups of two. We should maintain good relations with our neighbours too," Khuensai Jaiyen said.

Moreover most of the Burmese living in Thailand should avoid wearing both yellow and red dresses in the current situation.

The anti-government protesters 'People's Alliance for Democracy' (PAD) are wearing yellow dresses and pro-government protesters PPP are wearing red dresses. So wearing these dresses will make Burmese citizens the victims of this conflict of misunderstanding.

"Many Burmese, Shan and Karen wear yellow dresses in Thailand. They will be misunderstood as anti-government PAD protesters. Similarly many Burmese citizens wear red dresses in support of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. They can be misunderstood too as pro-government protesters," Khuensai Jaiyen added.

Moreover Khuensai Jaiyen warned Burmese citizens not to poke their noses into this conflict. "Some joined the yellow faction and some joined the red faction, in apprehension of their jobs being affected. We should not do it. We are living here as we can't live in our homeland for reasons of instability there. We should not join in creating unrest and instability on their soil. So in this regard, we should do what we can for the sake of both sides," he said.

Under the current security perception, the Thai government including the Prime Minister has moved to Chiang Mai and beefed up security here. So the Burmese living here will face more restrictions in their movement though this situation has nothing to do with them directly.

"There will be more checkpoints in Chiang Mai and more checking, questioning here. It will be difficult for all illegal Burmese migrants though they would not target Burmese citizens directly," Ko Aung Naing, a Burmese reporter living in Chiang Mai, said.