A Surge of Draft Dodgers Seeking Refuge in Thailand – Sky Bulletin
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Amidst the enforcement of a conscription law by the Myanmar military, numerous residents are determined to evade mandatory service and are escaping to neighboring Thailand.
Thwel, a 25-year-old educator, expressed the grim choices available to Myanmar citizens, “As a person living in this country, I only have two options: to go abroad illegally or die here.” In her quest for safety, Thwel is headed to Thailand. A possible exodus like this is predicted to result in a serious brain drain and could exacerbate the civil unrest that has plagued the nation since the military coup.
Post the military’s 2021 coup, which ousted the democratic regime of Aung San Suu Kyi, the military’s forces have been stretched thin due to resistance from pro-democracy activists and ethnic minority groups. With the force’s numbers dwindling, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing activated a 2010 conscription law, compelling men and women to serve in the military for two years, with stiff penalties for evasion.
The recruitment drive threatens to engulf 14 million eligible citizens, but due to public outcry, the military has annunciatively exempt women from this draft. Despite this, the atmosphere is rife with fear and the rush to exit the country is palpable, as seen by the throngs seeking visas at the Thailand embassy and the disorder at passport offices.
Professionals like a 32-year-old news translator and a 26-year-old journalist are among those deciding to leave immediately, fearing for their futures and freedoms under military service. The Institute for Strategy and Policy forecasts that the conscription could cause not only a mass exodus but also rampant human rights abuses and corruption.
Doctors and other professionals are at a higher age limit for conscription and face a three-year service term. A doctor in Yangon shared his intention to flee due to the conscription announcement. Ethnic resistance groups and the shadow National Unity Government are offering alternatives and sanctuary for those opposed to military rule, and recruitment for pro-democracy forces seems to be rising.
With daily crossings into Thailand increasing, concerns grow over the associated social issues, including human trafficking and job competition. Moe Kyaw of the Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association-Thailand notes that the loss of human resources and intellectuals is a negative marker for Myanmar’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What prompted the need for conscription in Myanmar?
- Myanmar’s military has been strained by ongoing resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic armed organizations, leading to the activation of a conscription law to replenish their ranks.
- What are the age requirements for conscription in Myanmar?
- All healthy men ages 18-35 and women 18-27 are required to register for military service, whereas professionals face a higher age limit.
- What are the penalties for avoiding conscription in Myanmar?
- Those who evade conscription can be punished with three to five years in prison and a fine.
- How have Myanmar citizens responded to the conscription announcement?
- Many citizens, especially professionals and young people, are planning or have already fled the country, with a significant number attempting to cross into Thailand.
- What might be the impact of this potential mass exodus from Myanmar?
- The exodus could lead to a talent drain, increased human rights violations, heightened corruption, and social and economic turmoil within both Myanmar and neighboring regions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Myanmar is experiencing a critical juncture as the military’s enforcement of conscription drives many to seek refuge in Thailand, fearing conscription’s implications on their liberties and lives. The ongoing situation presents a multitude of challenges not only for those fleeing but also for the stability and future development of Myanmar. The international community watches as citizens make desperate decisions with profound personal and political consequences, spotlighting the relentless struggle for democracy and human rights in the region.
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