Thai civil society groups protested in front of the Myanmar military’s embassy in Bangkok today, denouncing the visit of coup leader Min Aung Hlaing and condemning the Thai government for inviting him to attend the BIMSTEC summit.
The protest, held this afternoon, was organized by various Thai civil groups who gathered outside the Myanmar military’s diplomatic office in Thailand. They publicly read a statement expressing their strong objection to the Thai government’s invitation extended to Min Aung Hlaing, whom they labeled a mass murderer.
In their joint statement, the groups urged the Thai government to sever all ties with the Myanmar military council, citing its ongoing violence against the people of Myanmar. They called the invitation to Min Aung Hlaing an unacceptable act that disregards human rights and regional solidarity.
Earlier in the morning, another group attempted to stage a protest in front of the UN office in Bangkok. However, tensions escalated when Thai nationalist groups reportedly tried to disrupt the demonstration, leading to scuffles. Thai police intervened to de-escalate the situation and prevent violence.
“The Thai police helped escort the protesters to safety and protected them from attacks by nationalist groups. No arrests were made,” said Ko Yemin, an advocate for Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand.
Members of ultra-nationalist Thai groups were also seen shouting that protests against Min Aung Hlaing should be carried out in Myanmar, not in Thailand, showing their support for the military regime.
