On the third anniversary of the coup, a Myanmar network in Thailand has called on the Thai government to support Myanmar workers in Thailand and uphold democracy and human rights during the crisis in Myanmar.

Bright Future, a Myanmar network in Thailand, on Wednesday met Fair Party MP Kannavee Suebsang to submit a petition on the occasion of the third anniversary of the coup, calling on parliament and the government to uphold democratic principles in Myanmar and to help Myanmar workers in Thailand who have been subjected to suppression from the Myanmar military led by Min Aung Hliang.

Their statement says ‘After the people of Myanmar have voted for the National League for Democracy party in a landslide just the year before, the Myanmar military claimed there was widespread election fraud and deployed armed forces to launch a coup. The military then appointed General Min Aung Hlaing as dictator instead of the elected representatives. This government is not a legitimate one by any means.

‘Since 2021, the people have fought against the coup in various ways, from the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) protests to general strikes. Later, the National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG) has been established to put up resistance against Min Aung Hlaing's troops which have then killed at least 4,507 people. On 7 February 2024, two resistance fighters were tortured and burned alive in a village in Magwe Region. Min Aung Hlaing's troops continue to commit more atrocities even now.

‘For our third year of resistance, we would like to voice our proposals for the Thai government and parliament with hope in democratic values and human rights.

1. Allow the work permit extension for Myanmar nationals who decide to refrain from paying 2% extra passport tax in protest against the Min Aung Hliang regime which has been exploiting Myanmar nationals for war funding.
2. Allow the work permit extension without the need for going through the duplicated process of Certificate of Identity checking.
3. Support the ASEAN chairman in the provision of humanitarian aid along the Myanmar border with Thailand by designating the area as safe and neutral zones without military operations (Humanitarian Corridor) along with habitats for IDPs.
4. Cooperate with the National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG), ethnic private organizations, and ethnic armed organizations in humanitarian missions instead of cooperating the Min Aung Hliang regime.
5.  Prepare for a refugee situation after the regime's conscription announcement.’

Suraj Kiri, a Bright Future leader, said that the military government has recently started conscription. He raised concerns that a significant number of refugees may now flee to Thailand. He added that Min Aung Hlaing exploited the people and took their money to fund the war. Myanmar people have been residing in Thailand for several years and they are entitled to live here without being forced to pay the passport tax to the Myanmar military regime. He urged the Thai government to address the issue since the situation has persisted for three years.

Kannavee asserted that since Thailand and Myanmar share a long border, the situation in Myanmar affects Thailand, and Thailand has to be well-prepared.

“Today, we would like to reiterate that Thailand’s stance has changed. Is ASEAN’s principle of non-interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs still viable? How should we in Thailand change our position?  For Thailand’s prestige in the international community, we need to have a good stance,” remarked Kannavee.

The MP said the establishment of a humanitarian aid centre in Tak Province is a good idea, but the most urgent concern are the areas where displaced people from Myanmar enter Thailand, particularly in Mae Hong Son Province. He added that Thailand should not perceive Myanmar people living in Thailand as a burden. In fact, they contribute to Thailand’s economy. Addressing their issues directly would turn them into a crucial part of Thailand’s development through legal employment.

Kannavee also reiterated that he will push the issue in parliament and propose relevant laws to support Myanmar people in Thailand.