Sixteen young people have successfully escaped 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 Susu) and Naing Win Htun have 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, four were recaptured by the military council during their journey, while the remaining 10 have reportedly reached safe locations. The incident highlights the ongoing practice of forced military recruitment by Myanmar’s military council of deported migrants.
According to the accounts of those who escaped, they were initially transferred from the detention center in Ranong, Thailand, to Kawthaung city in Myanmar. From there, they were taken to Infantry Battalion 431, where they were forcibly conscripted into military service. After spending approximately seven days at Infantry Battalion 431, they were transported by boat to Shwe Du Education School in Myeik Township. The group was held at the Military Training Course No. 9 facility at the school for two days before managing to escape as a group at around 1:30 AM on February 3rd. The two youths who reached Myeik PDF are originally from the Dawei region and made contact with the PDF through regional-level organizations.
La Yaung, the information officer of Myeik PDF, has urged others who have been forcibly recruited into military service to seek refuge with People’s Defense Forces and stand with the public, noting that the military council’s end appears to be approaching. He also warned civilians remaining in major cities and large villages to remain vigilant to avoid becoming hostages of the military council. The successful escape of these young people represents a significant incident in the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, where the military council continues to face resistance from various armed groups and civilian defense forces while maintaining its practice of forced recruitment and civilian oppression.
