Migrant workers gather in Thailand to see Suu Kyi

By CS Thana

BANGKOK (AA) - Thousands of Myanmar migrant workers were left in the rain Thursday as Thailand's military government strictly controlled access to Aung San Suu Kyi during the first day of her visit as Myanmar state counselor to the country.

Migrant workers at Mahatchai Port in Samut Sakhon had made their way to the venue hoping to meet their hero, but Thailand's junta only allowed several hundred pre-approved workers into the tightly controlled event.

Police put the number of those gathered outside as around 5,000, many of whom continued to sing and dance in the downpour hoping to catch a glimpse of Suu Kyi as she was escorted in by Thai police.

Myanmar's state counselor-cum foreign minister had been due to hear the concerns of the migrant workers working in Thailand, with regard to working conditions and legal representation.

"Only pre-approved workers from nearby factories were let in," said Andy Hall of the Migrant Workers Right Network.

For years, Thailand has been a primary destination for Myanmar migrant laborers, many of whom work in the seafood industry.

Suu Kyi is due to meet with Thai Premier Prayuth Chan-ocha on Friday to discuss their rights before flying back to Myanmar on Saturday.