Sixteen young people have managed to escape after being forcibly recruited into military service following their deportation from Ranong, Thailand to Myanmar. Among the escapees, two youths named Thae 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, 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 the military council against civilians, including those who are returned from neighboring countries.
According to the accounts of those who escaped, they were initially held at the Ranong detention center in Thailand before being transferred to Kawthaung. 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 seizing an opportunity to escape at around 1:30 AM on February 3rd. The two youths who reached Myeik PDF are originally from the Dawei region and were able to establish contact with the PDF through regional-level authorities.
La Yaung, the information officer of Myeik PDF, has urged other individuals who have been forcibly recruited into military service to seek refuge with People’s Defense Forces, emphasizing that the military council’s rule is nearing its end. He encouraged them to stand with the people rather than serve the military council. Additionally, he warned civilians remaining in major cities and villages to remain vigilant to avoid becoming hostages of the military council. The successful escape of these young people represents a significant incident that demonstrates both the military council’s continued practice of forced recruitment and the resistance movement’s efforts to protect civilians from such human rights violations.
