Sixteen young people who were arrested in Ranong, Thailand and subsequently deported to Myanmar managed to escape after being forcibly recruited as soldiers by the military council. 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, 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. While attending the 9th military training course at this location, they managed to escape as a group around 1:30 AM on February 3rd. The information officer from Myeik PDF, La Yaung, explained that most of the escapees were locals from the Dawei region who had requested assistance through regional-level connections. Consequently, the PDF helped facilitate their escape through secure routes.
The PDF is currently encouraging other military service members who wish to escape from the military council’s control to seek refuge with People’s Defense Forces and to stand with the public in cooperation. They also warn civilians in both 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 Myanmar citizens who are deported back to the country. The incident also demonstrates the growing network of resistance forces working to protect civilians from military council oppression and provide safe passage for those fleeing forced military service.
