22-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Over 7,000 Myanmar nationals have applied for visas at the Thai embassy in Yangon as the military-ruled country prepares for mandatory conscription. Figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveal the surge in visa applications as young people face the prospect of compulsory military service in Myanmar.
Spokeswoman Kanchana Patarachoke stated that the Thai embassy has responded to the increased demand by doubling the number of online queue tickets to 800 per day. This includes 400 tickets issued by the embassy itself and an additional 400 by VFS Global, a global outsourcing and services company used by diplomatic missions worldwide.
According to Ms. Kanchana, all available slots are fully booked until March 1, and it is anticipated that the number of applications will continue to rise in the coming days. She also mentioned that Myanmar citizens can currently enter Thailand without visas under the ASEAN agreement, but their stay is limited to just 14 days.
The looming mandate for mandatory military service in Myanmar has prompted thousands of citizens to seek opportunities to leave the country. The military junta announced its plan to conscript young people starting in April, requiring all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve in the military for a minimum of two years.
When asked whether the rush for visas was directly linked to the mandatory conscription, Ms. Kanchana stated that there is no definitive information indicating a clear connection between the two developments.
The urgency to secure visas was highlighted by a tragic incident outside a Myanmar government passport office in Mandalay earlier this week. Two individuals lost their lives in a crush as thousands lined up to obtain necessary travel documents.
Three years after seizing power through a coup, the military in Myanmar is facing significant armed resistance to its rule. The widespread opposition makes it challenging for the military to suppress the dissent.
A junta spokesperson stated earlier this month that approximately 13 million people would be eligible for conscription, but the military’s training capacity is limited to just 50,000 individuals per year.
Thai authorities have been preparing for a potential influx of people from Myanmar, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has issued a warning against illegal entry. He emphasized that individuals would be welcomed if they enter the country legally. However, those who attempt to sneak into Thailand illegally will face legal consequences. Mr. Srettha has already discussed the matter with security agencies to address the situation effectively.
In light of the humanitarian concerns surrounding Myanmar citizens fleeing to Thailand, an opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Kannavee Suebsang of the FAIR Party, has called on the government to provide assistance. Suebsang highlighted that the Myanmar junta had suspended the legal export of laborers to Thailand under the previously established mutual agreement between the two countries. He expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the suspension but emphasized the need for the Thai government to avoid sending the fleeing individuals back to Myanmar if the situation there deteriorates further.
