Thailand urges ‘calibrated re-engagement’ with Myanmar; Malaysia ‘forcibly returning’ refugees, HRW says

Thailand urges ‘calibrated re-engagement’ with Myanmar Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called for a “calibrated re-engagement” strategy with Burma during a policy address at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday–two days ahead of a visit to the Thai capital Bangkok by Burma’s regime leader Min Aung Hlaing, who was inaugurated president by a pro-military parliament on April 10. Addressing the media following a meeting with the ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Anutin argued that the regional bloc must balance its core principles with pragmatic diplomacy to resolve Burma’s crisis since the 2021 coup. A Rohingya activist’s fight against hate speech in Kuala Lumpur When Pacifist Farooq fled the Myanmar military’s genocidal campaign in 2016, he hoped to find safety in Bangladesh. Years later, after surviving targeted violence in refugee camps, he sought sanctuary in Malaysia. Today, the Rohingya teacher and activist finds himself fighting a different kind of war: an escalating wave of online hate speech, media misrepresentation, and xenophobia. “We are fleeing genocide,” Farooq says. “We are not coming here to take over jobs, or to take land, or for citizenship. We are here just to survive and stay safe.” Farooq was born and raised in Buthidaung, in northern Rakhine State. After passing his matriculation exams in 2016, he worked as a school teacher. Malaysia ‘forcibly returning’ Myanmar refugees, says HRW Human Rights Watch called on the Malaysian government to reverse plans that would permit the forced return of refugees to Burma, where they face persecution and other rights abuses. On July 23, Malaysia stated that 5,000 Burma nationals in immigration detention would be sent back. On July 29, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that Burma authorities had agreed to take back 5,000 ethnic Rohingya. “Malaysia has for many years hosted refugees from Myanmar who have fled unending oppression and atrocities by the Myanmar military,” said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The Malaysian government should show regional leadership in responding to the crisis in Myanmar rather than forcibly returning people who are the targets of the junta’s brutality.” News by Region ARAKAN—Dozens of airstrikes were carried out by an unknown number of Burma Air Force jets on Mrauk-U Township on Tuesday, residents told DVB. Mrauk-U, located 88 miles (141 km) northeast of the state capital Sittwe, was seized by the Arakan Army (AA) in February 2024. KACHIN—More than 100 households in Hpakant Township’s Hparpyin Village have been flooded forcing an unknown number of residents to relocate due to water leaking from nearby abandoned jade mining pits since early July, according to local sources. KARENNI—Five civilians, including a six-month-old child, were killed and two other civilians were injured in Hpruso Township by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on Tuesday. Hpruso, located 22 miles (35 km) south of the state capital Loikaw, is under regime control. A Hpruso resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that airstrikes have continued since the military regained control of the 40 mile (64 km) long Demoso-Hpruso-Bawlakhe road in February. At least 880 civilians have been killed by regime forces since 2021, according to the Progressive Karenni People Force (PKPF). Watch our interview with Benedict Rogers on DVB English News YouTube or Spotify. Listen on Apple, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get podcasts.