According to reports, 16 young people managed to escape after being forcibly recruited into military service following their deportation from Ranong, Thailand to Myanmar. Among the escapees, two youths named Thant Naing Htwe (aka) Su Su and Naing Win Htun successfully reached the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Myeik Township, while four others were recaptured by the military council. The information was confirmed by La Yaung, the information officer of the Myeik PDF.
The escaped youths were initially transferred from Ranong, Thailand to Kawthaung, and then to Infantry Battalion 431, where they were forcibly recruited as soldiers. They were held at Infantry Battalion 431 for approximately seven days before being transported by boat to Shwe Du Education School in Myeik Township. After staying there for two days, all 16 youths managed to escape together around 1:30 AM on February 3rd. Four of the escapees were recaptured by the military council the following day on February 4th, while the remaining 12 reached safe locations. Thant Naing Htwe (aka) Su Su and Naing Win Htun, who are originally from the Dawei region, successfully reached the Myeik PDF on March 6th.
La Yaung, the information officer of Myeik PDF, urged current military service members to seek refuge with People’s Defense Forces as the military council’s end appears to be approaching. He emphasized the importance of standing with the public and cooperating with civilian forces. He also warned people remaining in cities and large villages to be cautious and avoid becoming hostages of the military council. The successful escape of these youths highlights the ongoing practice of forced recruitment by the military council and the risks faced by those who attempt to flee such circumstances.
