Myanmar Spring Chronicle – February 11 by MoeMaKa Media:
Conscripted Youths Seek Alternatives as Thailand Extends Aid Efforts
The recent enforcement of Myanmar’s Military Conscription Law, effective since February 10, has sent shockwaves across the civilian population, particularly among young people covered by the law. Faced with the prospect of serving under the Military Council, many are now exploring avenues to avoid what they view as becoming “slaves” of the regime.
Reports indicate a surge in inquiries from upper- and middle-class families, financially capable of sending their children abroad to study and thus bypass military service. Thailand, known for its relatively lower costs of studying abroad, has become a focal point, with numerous inquiries flooding Thai universities and colleges overnight.
The trend suggests a growing divide between those who can afford educational alternatives and those who cannot. For families with financial means, education abroad is emerging as a strategy to navigate the conscription law. However, those without such resources are left to explore options within Myanmar or, if summoned, face compulsory military service.
Migrant work abroad is seen as another viable option for those unable to study overseas. Young individuals averse to military service are contemplating employment opportunities in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and select Middle Eastern nations to surpass the mandatory service age.
Speculation abounds regarding the purpose of the conscription law. Some believe it aims to recruit young people, particularly from rural areas, to form militias in the event of a significant reduction in the military’s strength. Others posit that the law, challenging to enforce in the current context, is intended to create additional complications. Concerns linger that the military council may scrutinize lists of individuals working abroad or joining revolutionary armed groups, cross-referencing them with household registration records (Form-10) in areas controlled by the regime for potential military service.
As Myanmar grapples with a protracted civil war and the occupation of certain regions by ethnic armed forces and revolutionary groups, the sweeping enforcement of the military service law for citizens of a specific age exacerbates the complexity of the situation, leaving a profound impact on the public.
In a parallel development, Thailand has intensified efforts to provide humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing Myanmar’s war. Collaborating with the Myanmar Red Cross, Thailand is working towards establishing a humanitarian aid center in Mae Sot. Recent weeks have witnessed increased coverage of Thailand’s humanitarian endeavors, discussed at meetings of foreign ministers in Luang Prabang, Laos, and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Thailand, along with Myanmar, affirmed their commitment to humanitarian aid during the meeting in Luang Prabang. However, despite the ASEAN 5-Point Consensus advocating humanitarian assistance through ASEAN’s humanitarian assistance department, tangible actions have been limited over the past three years. Challenges arose last year when a convoy, including ASEAN diplomats, was shot at while attempting to provide aid in the southern part of Shan State.
Former Thai Foreign Minister Mr. Parnpree’s recent visit to Mae Sot indicates a renewed focus on delivering aid to those in need in Myanmar. The specifics of aid distribution, whether confined to regions like Karen State, Tanintharyi, and Bago, or extended to other areas in upper Myanmar, are yet to be clarified.
Nevertheless, these efforts have drawn criticism from revolutionary forces, who question Thailand’s collaboration with the Myanmar Red Cross Society under the Military Council’s authority. The complexities surrounding aid distribution highlight the intricate diplomatic landscape amid Myanmar’s ongoing turmoil.