Myanmar taking care of Thai citizens stranded in a conflict zone
A total of 162 Thai citizens, who are believed to have been deceived to engage in illegal work in Myanmar in a strife-torn area, have received help from the authorities and are in a safe area while awaiting repatriation to Thailand, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
The ministry was providing updates on the situation of the Thai individuals stranded in Laukkaing, Myanmar.
Natapanu Nopakun, deputy director-general of the Department of Information and deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that Laukkaing in Shan State is a self-administered territory of Kokang, that is prone to clashes and unrest in the nearby areas. A lot of times there are curfews and restrictions on the movement of foreign nationals into the region.
This has complicated the process of providing assistance to Thai citizens, he said.
The Thai embassy in Yangon has been actively advocating the swift evacuation of Thai citizens from Laukkaing to a safe area, he said.
However, due to the ongoing armed conflict between opposition forces and the Myanmar military and police since October 27, the Myanmar authorities must conduct these operations with great caution and coordination.
The situation requires close collaboration with multiple parties when considering the relocation of foreign nationals from the area, including discussions with Myanmar authorities to determine the best and safest course of action for evacuating Thai citizens promptly, he said.
Regarding the news that nearly 200 Thai individuals had been detained by Myanmar, he said the majority of these people had received assistance from the Myanmar authorities. Many of them were either deceived into working in the area or have found themselves caught up in the ongoing conflict.
The Thai embassy has been in contact with the Myanmar authorities to provide assistance, arrange temporary accommodation, and ensure their basic well-being while they await repatriation, he said. Additionally, the embassy is actively verifying their nationalities and offering support to any other Thai individuals who may still be in the region, the spokesperson said.
