Thailand should open its door to young Myanmar refugees

[webfact]

In a recent, unsettling development, Myanmar’s military junta announced the imposition of compulsory military service for all young men and women, a drastic measure that threatens to further destabilize an already volatile region.

 

This decision, mandating service for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27, comes amidst intensifying conflicts with resistance forces and widespread international condemnation of the junta’s legitimacy and actions. As a result, a significant exodus towards relative safety is underway, with Thailand becoming a primary destination for those fleeing conscription and conflict.

 

Thailand stands at a crossroads, presented with a humanitarian dilemma and a strategic opportunity. The flow of young, potentially skilled individuals from Myanmar poses a question of not just moral duty but also of long-term benefits to the Thai workforce and society at large. It is a moment that calls for compassion, foresight, and leadership from the Thai government and its people.

 

First and foremost, welcoming the young refugees from Myanmar is a humanitarian imperative. These individuals are seeking to escape serving a regime that has been widely criticized for its oppressive tactics, human rights abuses, and illegitimate claim to power.

 

By Cod Satrusayang

 

Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2024-02-16

 

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[Callmeishmael]

One one hand, these young Myanmar refugees could be the answer to Thailand's demographic problems. 

 

On the other hand... prejudice and xenophobia on the part of Thailand's ruling class may result in closed borders or impossible paperwork requirements for new immigrants!

[zhounan]

Read Karl Marx to understand the real intentions behind these immigration welcomes 

[Artisi]

If Thailand doesn't allow them to come legally then many will come undocumented illegally - so seems the legal path is the better choice. 

[StayinThailand2much]

Considering how "low" the official unemployment numbers are, one would think that Thailand has a huge demand for foreign labour. Perhaps those people from Myanmar could improve the tourism industry (hotels/hospitals/banking/sales/ costumer service, etc.) by providing staff that can actually speak English. (I've had my own experience going to a bank branch, where the only one who could understand and speak English was the security guard from Myanmar!) - Let the Thais do the construction work and fishing instead...

Edited February 16 by StayinThailand2much

[norfolkandchance]

There are hundreds of youngsters from Myanmar who are accommodated in our government housing village. There all employed at the local garment factory. I would imagine they are legal due to there numbers. Very friendly and no trouble apart from having no lights on their bikes.

They are also very good at Sepak Takraw (kick volley ball).

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In a recent, unsettling development, Myanmar’s military junta announced the imposition of compulsory military service for all young men and women, a drastic measure that threatens to further destabilize an already volatile region.

Oh dear... Myanmar is doomed economically.

The military will have it all to themselves.

[zhounan]

Would the person who wrote this article open the door of his house to welcome a refugee?

 

 

We should always start with this question to understand the real intentions of these immigration influencers.

[Burma Bill]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

imposition of compulsory military service for all young men and women,

 

Although an abhorrent decision by the Junta to conscript youngsters into the terrorist Tatmadaw, it could be a blessing in disguise if one of the conscriptees gets an opportunity to assassinate his/her commanding officers sparking a rebellion!

[john donson]

muslim invasion european style....

[Scouse123]

6 hours ago, zhounan said:

Read Karl Marx to understand the real intentions behind these immigration welcomes 

 

Why don't you just tell us?

[Scouse123]

9 minutes ago, john donson said:

muslim invasion european style....

 

Many flooding Europe are there as economic and opportunistic migrants, they aren't fleeing war and conflict.

[zhounan]

8 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

Why don't you just tell us?

The concept of reserve army of labour. We white asses should know very well what this means.

[soi3eddie]

If ever there was a genuine case for offering refuge then this is it. They should be welcomed to Thailand. 

 

Knowing the Burmese from my trips there, these young people are resourceful and better educated than neighbouring countries. They are also seen as a destabilising threat to the military junta in Myanmar as they are more likely to join the opposition forces and creat campaigns on social media (despite internet blocks in the country - they know how to use VPNs). Sad times for Myanmar.

 

Edited February 16 by soi3eddie

[The Old Bull]

At least they will be able to bring their own rifle when they go join the Shan State Army or the KNU.

[Neeranam]

We don't want them, they are a major cause of crime in Hua Hin. Happier with retired seamen.

[Scott Tracy]

On 2/16/2024 at 6:43 AM, Burma Bill said:

Although an abhorrent decision by the Junta to conscript youngsters into the terrorist Tatmadaw, it

Doesn't Thailand have conscription too?

[Scott Tracy]

On 2/16/2024 at 7:35 AM, zhounan said:

The concept of reserve army of labour. We white asses should know very well what this means.

And what became of Karl Marx....?

 

nothing wrong with a reserve army of labour, and what do you mean by we white asses...?

[proton]

On 2/16/2024 at 2:27 PM, Scouse123 said:

 

Many flooding Europe are there as economic and opportunistic migrants, they aren't fleeing war and conflict.

 

Yes, amusing court decision this week convicting one silly girl of supporting Hamas at one of those annoying free Palestine demos in London, let off by the muslim judge. She is an asylum seeker in UK from Gaza- who claimed her life had been threatened by Hamas.😁

Edited February 17 by proton

[proton]

19 minutes ago, Scott Tracy said:

Doesn't Thailand have conscription too?

Not for girls or ladyboys

[mokwit]

15 minutes ago, Scott Tracy said:

And what became of Karl Marx....?

He is buried in Highgate Cemetery in London. His grave is regarded as a Communist plot.

[Guderian]

I thought the Thai government were big mates of the junta in Naypyidaw. Or was that only under our long-lost but much-loved former military dictatorship?

[Burma Bill]

1 hour ago, Scott Tracy said:

Doesn't Thailand have conscription too?

 Yes indeeed, and I personally find that abhorrent as well.

[zzaa09]

In the long of it, would be much wiser for Thailand and ASEAN to require Myanmar into real diplomatic discourse regarding humanitarian/civil change instead of dragging their feet and ignoring the regional crises as they have for decades. 

[heybruce]

On 2/16/2024 at 2:35 AM, zhounan said:

The concept of reserve army of labour. We white asses should know very well what this means.

How is it different from the concept of labor moving to where the demand and wages are high?

[ChipButty]

Things are not good right now over there, our cleaner was next month going home for a couple of weeks and to go to her sister's wedding, already the airline moved her flight a few days, now she is saying she might have to cancel as she might not be able to get back, 

[Tropicalevo]

A very sad situation.

Here, we have a dodgy government where many are in bed with the drug lords/military in Burma.

I have read that in the last couple of days, more than 50 young Burmese, both male and female, have been 'arrested' in Thailand after fleeing the conscription there.

I am pretty sure that they will be sent back to Burma and who knows what horrors await them.