Organizers warn Myanmar nationals participating in protest in front of Myanmar Consulate in Chiang Mai to be aware of legal and security implications

August 3 Mizzima. || Organizers have issued an important notice urging Myanmar nationals who wish to participate in an environmental protest to be held in front of the Myanmar Consulate in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to be aware of and carefully consider the legal and security challenges and implications they may face. The protest is scheduled to take place today (August 3) at 10:30 AM Thai time, and the important notice was released earlier this morning via the "Save the Kok River" social network. This protest is being organized to oppose the severe negative impacts that rare earth and other mining activities in the region are having on rivers, aquatic life, soil, and local communities. In their statement, the organizers said that the advance notice of the protest was intended to allow interested Thai citizens to participate. However, they warned that while they respect the solidarity, many Myanmar nationals are also preparing to participate, and there could be legal and security implications. The organizers have openly stated that there are many limitations in arranging legal assistance or security protection in the event of arrests or detentions during and after the protest. Specifically, they warned that Myanmar passport holders, if arrested or detained, could face dangers such as deportation (arrest and expulsion) and revocation of their passports. Therefore, the protest organizers have appealed for participation only after carefully considering and analyzing the potential consequences, prioritizing security, freedom, and future standing, and exercising special caution. They also announced that they look forward to standing in solidarity together in future campaigns.