Soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division or Surasee Force have been deployed along the western border to prevent Myanmar migrants from illegally crossing the frontier into Thailand.
Maj Gen Thakad Lordsiri, commander of the 9th Infantry Division, said since daily Covid-19 cases in Myanmar have increased, migrants who illegally cross the border from the neighbouring country could bring the virus with them and cause a second wave of the pandemic in Thailand.
Therefore, all units under the 9th Infantry Division have been ordered to step up preventative measures by setting up more security checkpoints along the western border to prevent the smuggling of drugs and illegal entry of migrant workers via natural border passes.
Col Winij Sawangneth, commander of the 29th Infantry Regiment under the 9th Infantry Division, said soldiers under his command have been deployed along the border of Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi provinces.
He said the soldiers have stepped up patrols along the border, especially in areas with natural border passes and nearby villages, with support from intelligence operations.
