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 Susu) 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 ten have reportedly reached safe locations. The incident highlights the ongoing practice of forced recruitment by Myanmar’s military council of civilians, including those deported from neighboring countries.
According to the accounts of those who escaped, they were first transferred from the Ranong detention center in Thailand to Kawthaung, and then to Infantry Battalion 431, where they were forcibly conscripted into military service. After being held at Infantry Battalion 431 for approximately seven days, they were transported by boat to Shwe Du Education School in Myeik Township. Although they were intended to undergo training as part of Military Training Batch 9, they seized an opportunity to escape after just two days at the facility. The escape was initiated on February 3 at around 1:30 AM from the Shwe Du Education School. The following day, February 4, four of the escapees were recaptured by the military council forces. While the remaining twelve reached various safe locations, only Thant Naing Htwe (aka Susu) and Naing Win Htun made it to the Myeik PDF on March 6. Being originally from the Dawei region, they were able to establish contact with the PDF through regional-level authorities and request assistance.
The Myeik PDF information officer emphasized the importance of military personnel defecting to join the people’s defense forces, stating that the military council’s end is approaching. He urged those still serving in the military to seek refuge with the PDF units and stand with the people. Additionally, he warned civilians in cities and large villages to remain vigilant to avoid becoming hostages of the military council. This incident demonstrates the continuing pattern of the military council’s forced recruitment practices and the risks faced by Myanmar citizens who are deported back to the country, where they may be subjected to such human rights violations. The successful escape of these young people and their ability to reach resistance forces highlights both the dangers faced by civilians under military rule and the growing network of resistance groups providing protection and support to those fleeing military persecution.
