Myanmar nationals in South Korea send open letter to Thai Prime Minister demanding not to legitimize the interim government and not to forcibly repatriate refugees

Ayeyarwaddy Times September 3 Activists of Myanmar affairs residing in South Korea have submitted an open letter to the Thai government, urging it to avoid actions that could legitimize the military junta, which has transformed itself into an interim government through a sham election, and to protect refugees from forced repatriation, according to sources. The submission of the open letter and protests were simultaneously carried out on September 2 by the Myanmar diaspora in front of Thai embassies in Britain, France, the United States, Australia, and Japan, in addition to the Thai embassy in Seoul. The letter expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance that Thailand has provided for decades, while also highlighting concerns over recent interactions between the Thai government and military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who is committing crimes against civilians. "The Thai government officials need to listen carefully to the voices of the Myanmar people. And they need to avoid giving recognition to the terrorist Min Aung Hlaing military junta, which is threatening democracy in Asia. That's all we want to say," Ko Linn Aye, secretary of MFDMC, told The Ayeyarwaddy Times. Furthermore, the open letter explained the dangers that Myanmar nationals could face if repatriated due to the new deportation regulations issued by Thailand, including oppression, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, and forced conscription. Similarly, it has been urged that the Thai government engage with the Steering Committee for Federal Democracy Union (SCEF) and the National Unity Government (NUG), and continue to support Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun to the United Nations, according to sources. Photo – Submitted The post Myanmar nationals in South Korea send open letter to Thai Prime Minister demanding not to legitimize the interim government and not to forcibly repatriate refugees appeared first on Ayeyarwaddy Times.