RANONG, Following the issuance of a compulsory conscription order by Myanmar's military government slated to commence in mid-April, up to a thousand young men and women from Myanmar have crossed the border into Thailand's Ranong province daily. As Thailand shares about 2,400- km border with Myanmar, the conscription law enforced by Myanmar authorities on Feb 10 to recruit about 5,000 people monthly could possibly lead to the influx of young men and women into Thailand. At the Ronong-Kawthaung pier which serves as one border crossing has seen an increase of boat passengers from Myanmar, travelling to the Thai side. It has been bustling from morning until afternoon. Most passengers are young men and women, arriving with families with large luggage as seen during the festival when they come to visit their relatives in Thailand. However, it is not normally seen during the usual time. According to border security agencies, Myanmar has announced that all individuals of military age, from 18 to 27 years old for women and 18-35 for men, are to serve in the military. This rule has led to an abnormal influx of young Myanmar people into Ranong province. Ranong's permanent border checkpoints allow lawful entry and exit through the border pass system. Those who enter are allowed to stay for a maximum of 7 days. However, previously, there were around 300-350 Myanmar nationals entering and exiting Ranong Province per day. Currently, there are over 1,000 individuals per day. Meanwhile, the Maritime Enforcement Command Center, Region 3 has conducted surveillance operations to prevent illegal border crossings along the Thai-Myanmar sea border, both by sea patrols and special operation teams along the Kraburi River, covering a distance of over 200 kilometers. They focus on crossing points that pose a risk for illegal border crossings, coordinating joint operations with army and police units, utilizing authority under the 1957 Act to empower naval forces to suppress certain sea-related offenses. Source: Thai News Agency