Driver Surrenders in Burmese Deaths | Burma
The driver of the cold storage truck in which 54 Burmese immigrants who entered Thailand illegally died of suffocation has surrendered to authorities. He is fearful of retribution from the operators of the illegal immigrant ring that has been importing Burmese workers and brokering jobs for them.
The driver, Mr. Suchon Bunplong, aged 38, has confessed to driving the truck and says he was to be paid 80,000 Baht in exchange for driving the 121 job seekers from Ranong to Phuket. He has also named members of the trafficking network, according to Region 8 Police Lt. General Thani Tawitsri. “Arrest warrants will be issued for them” he added.
According to Mr. Suchon, he picked up the Burmese at Choke Charoen fishing pier. 121 people altogether were placed in the back of the truck. After discovering the deaths he fled the scene for fear of being silenced by the smuggling ring. He made his way to Bangkok by Bus where he followed the news of the tragedy. ”I felt guilty and feared being silenced so I asked my elder sister to contact the governor so I could surrender,” he said.
One person arrested was the owner of Choke Charoen fishing pier, Mr. Jirawat Sophapanworagul. Police are requesting that he be denied bail. His wife has been charged with transnational human trafficking before.
Driver Surrenders in Burmese Deaths | Burma
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