Myanmar Junta Leader's Thailand Visit: Rights Group Urges 'Clear Messages'

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar is expected to visit Thailand, prompting human rights group Fortify Rights to urge the Thai government to deliver clear messages to the "murderous dictator." The organization points out that Min Aung Hlaing is accused of "war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide" and leads an illegitimate regime that overthrew a democratically elected government via a coup. According to Fortify Rights, the regime led by Min Aung Hlaing has not gained broad international recognition for the legitimacy of the general elections supposedly held earlier this year. It is reported that many major political parties were excluded and a significant portion of the population was disenfranchised in these elections. Currently, over 14,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated, and the whereabouts of Aung San Suu Kyi remain unknown. Furthermore, daily airstrikes and ground attacks by the military against civilians continue in Myanmar, with homes, displacement camps, schools, and hospitals being targeted. UN estimates suggest that over 3.8 million people have been internally displaced since the coup, making the conflict the deadliest in Asia. Fortify Rights recommends that Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul use his face-to-face meeting with Min Aung Hlaing to demand, among other things: the unconditional release of all political prisoners, particularly Aung San Suu Kyi; an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians; and a declaration of an unconditional nationwide ceasefire to initiate a dialogue process towards genuine peace and federal democracy. The group also calls for an end to the forced repatriation of Myanmar refugees and for measures to prevent Thai financial institutions from facilitating arms purchases for the regime. The organization stresses that Thailand should uphold the international consensus, shared by many nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, the EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, and ASEAN member states, of not recognizing Min Aung Hlaing as a legitimate leader. Source: Fortify Rights