MyoTaw: Thai-Based Burmese Worry as Trouble Follows Min Aung Hlaing

Myanmar people in Thailand worried as misfortunes tend to follow Min Aung Hlaing wherever he goes

August 4

Myanmar people living in Thailand are expressing concerns, saying that floods, storms, and other unfortunate events tend to coincidentally occur in countries or domestic locations visited by coup leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Thailand upon the official invitation of Thai Prime Minister Anutin, with the trip expected to begin within the first week of August.

The junta government has announced that during the visit, talks between Thailand and Myanmar will be held, along with a meeting with the interim Speaker of the Thai National Assembly.

"Wherever he goes, something bad happens. Just look at India and other places. Even his trip to Yangon, which was nothing special, ended up with everything flooded. You could call it coincidence, but in the past too, countries and people connected to him have frequently experienced one misfortune or another, so it's frightening, as if something evil follows him. Now, even before he arrives, places like Mae Sot are already unstable. With fighting here and there, there's no peace," a Myanmar citizen living in Mae Sot, Thailand, told MyoTaw.

On August 3, Justice For Myanmar (JFM) issued a statement condemning the Thai government's decision to officially invite Min Aung Hlaing. Before his trip to Thailand and other international destinations, Min Aung Hlaing had publicized a meeting between ICRC and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in an effort to gain greater legitimacy.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak has also welcomed the meeting between State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Mr. Arnaud de Baecque, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Myanmar.

"It's not about what intentions he comes with—I don't want him to come at all in any form. Nothing good will come of it. From his side, he will use every means to show his legitimacy at this time. Whichever country calls him, he'll come running with his tail wagging. Then he'll propagandize about what was discussed internationally and domestically, and who supports him. One thing is, I'm amazed that Min Aung Hlaing is doing his work step by step so well, and that he's being allowed to do it," a female CDM member in Thailand told MyoTaw.

Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has stated that Thailand should conduct investigations into Min Aung Hlaing and his criminal network, and seize their illegally acquired assets. The organization has also called for collaboration with regional and international partners to ensure accountability and prosecution of those responsible for cross-border and international crimes.

JFM has also voiced opposition to Thailand rolling out the red carpet for someone accused of being a war criminal stained with the blood of the Myanmar people, urging neighboring Thailand to stand firmly alongside those struggling for a future federal democratic Myanmar.

MyoTaw News Channel