Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Border officials on alert for Burmese coup protesters fleeing military crackdown

Published

Monday, February 22, 2021 09:30

PHOTO: Wikimedia

Border police have increased patrols in the northern province of Chiang Rai amid concerns that Burmese protesters may try to cross into the Mae Sai district. This follows a military crackdown in the Burmese border town of Tachilek as the army tries to quell anti-coup rallies.

According to a Bangkok Post report, Sompong Chingduang from Thailand’s Immigration Bureau says the authorities in Mae Sai continue to monitor the situation in Tachilek. On Saturday, 2 protesters were killed in the Burmese city of Mandalay after officials opened fire on demonstrators protesting the February 1 coup.

The following day, thousands rallied in the town of Myawaddy, on the border of the Mae Sot district in the Thai province of Tak, while another protest was held in Tachilek. The Tachilek protest led to the border between Thailand and Myanmar being shut for 2 hours. It’s understood the largest rallies yet are being planned for today.

Meanwhile, Sompong has issued a warning that nobody fleeing the military crackdown in Myanmar will be granted entry to Thailand but will instead be turned away from the border. He says to do otherwise would pose too much of a health risk for Thailand, given the Covid-19 situation.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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6 Comments

Toby Andrews

Monday, February 22, 2021 at 1:31 pm

Good. Thailand is short of protesters in Bangkok.
They need all the protester they can get.
Especially protesters with previous experience.

Reply
Pedro

Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2:26 pm

In other words, people fleeing for their lives after being persecuted by an authoritarian and illegal dictatorial and brutal military Government in one country, will be refused entry and Human Rights protection by an authoritarian and (quasi) legal dictatorial (and some would say brutal) military Government in a neighbouring country. Instead they are returned to face further persecution. Wow, I guess no-one saw that one coming (not). How can those who (supposedly) wear a uniform to protect their own citizens from outside aggression, turn inwards and kill their own citizens who are just wanting freedom and democracy?

Reply
Ian

Monday, February 22, 2021 at 5:36 pm

They are running to the wrong border if they want freedom and democracy I feel for these oppressed people if nothing changes this will be Thailand in the future so bad

Reply
Jim kelly

Monday, February 22, 2021 at 9:21 pm

yes, CHAN-O-CHA and big ears are the last people you would want to run to!!! Out of the frying pan, in to the fire!!

Reply
- Pedro
  
  Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 3:05 am
  
  Agreed. They is how desperate they are in their own country if they think coming to Thailand will save them.
  
  Reply
Joe

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 7:45 pm

Thailand does need some more slave labour for their fishing fleet.

Reply

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

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