14 April 2026 – A 19-year-old man, Mr. Pau Lam Kim, from Tuivial village, Tedim township, Chin State, died of respiratory distress on 11 April while traveling to Malaysia via an irregular, high-risk route.
Reports indicate the tragedy was caused by the severe overcrowding of the vehicle transporting the migrants, which led to poor ventilation and breathing difficulties. Mr. Pau Lam Kim passed away before the vehicle reached the Thai border.
Following his death, the vehicle’s driver reportedly forced the body to be offloaded during the journey. One of Mr. Pau Lam Kim’s companions—part of a group of four, including his brothers and a cousin’s son—refused to continue the trip, stating, “I will stay with him,” and remained behind to care for the body.
The companion’s loyalty has widely circulated on social media, sparking criticism against the brokers involved in the irregular routes.
The deceased’s remains are currently being held in a hospital morgue in Thailand while arrangements, coordinated by relatives in Malaysia and a group named ZAM Sia Tuangpu, are underway to transport the body to Yangon.
Some reports indicate that the remaining travelers, including the companion who stayed behind are currently detained or hospitalized.
AI-generated image depicting a friend caring for a companion who died while traveling to Malaysia for work (Photo: Facebook/The Matupi Times)
Context on irregular migration
This incident highlights the growing peril faced by young people in Myanmar since the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military takeover. An increasing number of youth are undertaking dangerous and irregular cross-border journeys to Thailand and Malaysia in search of employment.
Unconfirmed social media reports also emerged that two other Myanmar nationals traveling for work were abandoned near Songkhla beach on 12 April.
Authorities in Malaysia have carried out raids and detained undocumented migrants, including Chin refugees from Myanmar who are grappling with numerous difficulties.
As the influx of Chin migrants continues to grow, current estimates suggest approximately 90,000 Chin refugees reside in Malaysia following the 2021 military coup. – Reporting by Daniel
