The Kayin State government has arranged free transportation for Myanmar nationals returning from Thailand via Friendship Bridge 2 in Myawaddy to their hometowns. Hpa-an District Administrator U San Maung and officials assisted the return trip at Hpa-an Highway Terminal on 25 March.
Ko Kyaw Khine is returning from Bangkok to Shwebo in Mandalay Region. He said he has received assistance throughout his return trip. He said the Thai government performed health screening, helped with the passport and the Kayin government, police officers and officials welcomed him at the bridge. He says everyone feels happy that the Union Government and Kayin State government have made preparations for them to return home.
Ma Ei Ei Phyu from Lewe, Nay Pyi Taw, was working in a prawn factory in Mahachai before returning. She said the return trip has been smooth and she had her health screened and provided her contact details. She said if Thailand was locked down while she was still there, she would be devastated and people are more important than money. She said she will closely follow ministry guidelines and stay with her family.
Ko Ye Min Tun is returning to Magway from Banmauk, Thailand. He said they had to rush as they heard friendship bridge 2 would be closing down. He said they were provided free meals and free SIM cards to contact their families. He said he is delighted and grateful for the authorities arranging free travel back to Magway as it would normally cost about K40,000 to K50,000 to do so.
Maung Aung Ko Ko is returning to Pyay and said he is prepared to self quarantine for 14 days but is happy to be able to see his family.
Daw Kyi Kyi San from Pyimakan Sanpya Village, Thonekwa Township, Yangon Region, said both the Thai and Myanmar authorities have been immensely helpful in the return trip. She wished for all Myanmar nationals to return home as she is worried they would be in trouble if the virus spreads in Thailand. She is also prepared to self-quarantine for 14 days and to immediately seek medical assistance if symptoms arise.
Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge 2 was originally used solely for commerce, but is currently handling entry/exit of persons while Bridge 1 is suspended. As of 25 March, over 23,567 Myanmar nationals have returned through the bridge. —Saw Myo Min Thein (IPRD)(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
