17-2-2024 (YANGON) Over 1,000 individuals queued up at the Thai embassy in Yangon, seeking visas to leave Myanmar after the junta’s announcement of mandatory military service. In response to opposition to its 2021 coup, the military intends to enforce a law allowing it to conscript men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 for at least two years. Facing armed resistance and recent setbacks, the junta’s move has triggered anxiety and a rush to leave the country.
Since the announcement of the “People’s Military Service Law,” the Thai embassy in Yangon has witnessed a significant surge in visa applications. The queue, which was previously less than 100, now stretches through the streets, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 people. The embassy has implemented a system of issuing 400 numbered tickets daily to manage the influx.
Young men and women are seeking refuge in neighbouring Thailand, with many opting for tourist visas to escape potential military conscription. The lack of clarity on how the law will be enforced has heightened anxiety among those affected, prompting a rush to leave the country.
“I will go to Bangkok with a tourist visa and hope to stay there for a while,” said Aung Phyo, a 20-year-old student. The uncertainty surrounding the military service law has led many to consider joining anti-coup People’s Defence Force (PDF) groups rather than risking conscription.
The announcement of mandatory military service has deepened concerns about the country’s future, especially amid economic challenges due to the civil war. Zaw Myo, 25, expressed the view that the law would adversely impact businesses and the economy, stating, “Most of the companies, restaurants, businesses are run with young people – if there are no young people in the country, most businesses will shut down.”
Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun justified the military service system, citing the situation in the country and the need to address challenges from PDFs and armed groups belonging to ethnic minorities. The junta estimates that around 13 million people will be eligible for conscription, acknowledging a capacity to train only 50,000 individuals annually.
Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group sees the call-up announcement as indicative of the dire state of the army, facing casualties, recruitment challenges, and a crisis of confidence within its ranks. The military’s crackdown on dissent since the 2021 coup has resulted in over 4,500 deaths and more than 26,000 arrests, according to local monitoring groups.
Long queues at the Thai embassy in Yangon today as people rush to leave the country following the Myanmar’s junta announces enforcement of military service laws for the youth. Video via Khing Maung Htwe Facebook #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/48h7KJMxPY
— soe zeya tun (@soezeya) February 15, 2024
