16-11-2023 (BANGKOK) The first group of 41 Thai nationals, who were left stranded in northeastern Myanmar due to clashes between Myanmar soldiers and ethnic rebel groups, have been successfully evacuated from Laukkaing to Kengtung in Shan State. They are now awaiting repatriation back to Thailand.
According to a report from the Pha Muang Force of the 3rd Army Region, the group consists of 23 men and 18 women, and they arrived at Kengtung at approximately 10:30 pm on Wednesday.
The repatriation process will involve crossing the Myanmar border town of Tachilek and returning to Mae Sai district in the northern province of Chiang Rai.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, speaking to reporters in San Francisco on Tuesday (local time), stated that the Ministry of Defence is working on completing the repatriation of the 41 Thais from Tachilek by Thursday or Friday.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharongke announced on Wednesday that the Thai army had coordinated with the United Wa State Army through the Thailand-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC) to facilitate the safe evacuation of the 41 Thais to Kengtung.
This group is part of the larger group of 164 Thais who were recently rescued by Myanmar authorities. These individuals had either been lured into working in illegal call centres or had become victims of human trafficking networks.
