According to reports, 16 young people have managed to escape after being forcibly recruited into military service following their deportation from Thailand’s Ranong city to Myanmar. Among the escapees, two youths named Thant Naing Htwe (aka) Su Su and Naing Win Htun have successfully reached the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Myeik Township, as confirmed by La Yaung, the information officer of Myeik PDF. Of the 16 who attempted to escape, 4 were recaptured by the military council during their journey, while the remaining 10 have reportedly reached safe locations.
According to the accounts of those who escaped, they were first transferred from the Ranong detention center in Thailand to Kawthaung city, and then to Infantry Battalion 431, where they were forcibly recruited as soldiers. After spending approximately seven days at Infantry Battalion 431, they were transported by boat to Shwe Du Education School in Myeik Township. Although they were scheduled to undergo military training as part of Training Batch 9, the group managed to escape after just two days at the facility. The escape took place around 1:30 AM on February 3rd, with four members of the group being recaptured the following day on February 4th.
Thant Naing Htwe (aka) Su Su and Naing Win Htun, who successfully reached the Myeik PDF on March 6th, are natives of the Dawei region. They were able to establish contact with the Myeik PDF through regional-level organizations. The successful escape and contact with the PDF was coordinated through various channels, with the regional authorities helping to facilitate their safe passage to the PDF forces. Their journey represents a significant example of resistance against forced military recruitment by the military council.
La Yaung, the information officer of Myeik PDF, has urged other young people who have been forcibly recruited into military service to seek refuge with the People’s Defense Forces, noting that the military council appears to be approaching its end. He also emphasized the importance for civilians living in both urban and rural areas to remain vigilant to avoid becoming hostages of the military council. This incident highlights the ongoing practice of forced recruitment by the military council and the risks faced by Myanmar citizens who are deported back to the country, where they may face such forced conscription into military service.
