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 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. They were held at the Military Training Course No. 9 school for two days before making their escape as a group at around 1:30 AM on February 3rd. The two youths who reached Myeik PDF are natives of Dawei region and made contact with the PDF through regional-level organizations.
La Yaung, the information officer of Myeik PDF, has urged current military service members to seek refuge with People’s Defense Forces and stand with the people, noting that the military council’s end is approaching. He also warned civilians in urban and rural areas to remain vigilant to avoid becoming hostages of the military council. The successful escape of these young people highlights the ongoing practice of forced recruitment by the military council and the risks faced by those who are deported back to Myanmar from neighboring countries. The incident also demonstrates the continued resistance against the military council’s oppressive practices and the support network available through various resistance organizations.
