Thai military to engage Myanmar over repatriation delay

The Thai military is set to engage Myanmar over the delay in the repatriation of 41 Thai nationals who were recently rescued from illegal businesses in Laukkaing township. This was revealed today by Colonel Natee Thomsen, the commander of the Thap Chao Tak Taskforce of the Pha Mueang Force.

Col. Natee plans to discuss the reasons behind the repatriation delay with the strategic commander of Tachileik. He will also explore ways to expedite the process and ensure the safe return of the Thai individuals, expressing the Thai side’s readiness for full cooperation with Myanmar.

He further revealed that the group of 41 Thais had made the most progress from Laukkaing towards the Thai border in Chiang Rai province. They are currently being held in Kengtung of Shan State, which is a mere four-hour drive from Tachileik, a border town opposite Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province. The group arrived in Kengtung late Wednesday night.

Col. Nathee confirmed that the Thai individuals are being well taken care of by the Myanmar military. However, before their departure, the Myanmar authorities wish to question them about their entry into Laukkaing, a region bordering China known for illicit activities.

He added that Myanmar had earlier assured that once the necessary processes concerning the Thai returnees were completed, Thai officials would be able to drive into Tachileik to pick them up.

The group of 41, consisting of 23 men and 18 women, are part of the 162 Thais rescued from Laukkaing in the self-administered Kokang zone of Shan State, reported Bangkok Post.

The news was shared with reporters by Col Nathee Thimsen at the 37th Military Circle in the Mueang district of Chiang Rai this morning.

The Thai government is coordinating the repatriation of 162 stranded Thai nationals from Myanmar’s Shan state via Kunming, China, amid the escalating conflict between the Myanmar military regime and local ethnic factions. Read more HERE.