Myanmar Spring Chronicle – February 27 Update
Moemaka, February 28, 2025
NLD Working Committee Calls for Review of Arrest Warrants Against U Htin Kyaw and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Issued by Argentine Court
The NLD Working Committee in exile has released a statement urging a review of the recent arrest warrants issued by an Argentine court, which included former President U Htin Kyaw and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The warrants were issued on February 18, targeting military leaders, police, and prison officials, holding them accountable for crimes against humanity related to the 2017 Rohingya genocide in Rakhine State.
This statement comes after the National Unity Government (NUG) had issued a similar call days earlier. Observers note that the NLD’s statement followed NUG’s lead, reinforcing concerns about the inclusion of U Htin Kyaw and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the arrest warrants.
While the arrest warrants aim to uphold justice and accountability, questions arise over whether true justice can be served, especially given Myanmar’s ongoing armed conflicts and worsening civil war under military rule. Some view the move as a necessary step toward accountability, while others argue that it is untimely and could complicate broader efforts to address Myanmar’s political crisis.
The Rakhine conflict is widely acknowledged as a complex and deeply rooted issue involving decades of mistrust, ethnic nationalism, and economic underdevelopment. Different political groups and activists hold varying perspectives on the matter, making consensus difficult. International actors often assess the situation based on individual incidents rather than a comprehensive historical context, further complicating the search for a solution.
Over 4,800 Myanmar Nationals Arrested in Thailand Within a Week
Meanwhile, Thai authorities have announced the arrest of more than 4,800 Myanmar nationals within a week, citing violations of immigration laws. The arrests, carried out between February 18 and 24, targeted those who entered Thailand illegally or were working without proper permits.
These arrests are unrelated to Thailand’s ongoing crackdown on human trafficking networks. Instead, they reflect a systematic effort to detain undocumented Myanmar migrants. Many of those arrested were workers in markets, shopping centers, and factories in Bangkok and other areas with large Myanmar communities.
The situation has raised concerns among Myanmar nationals, especially those fleeing Myanmar’s conscription law and ongoing military conflicts. Recent reports indicate that over 200 Myanmar nationals deported by Thai authorities were handed over to the Myanmar military for further interrogation, heightening fears of forced conscription.
There are growing suspicions that the Thai government’s crackdown may be influenced by Myanmar’s military regime, given the historically close ties between Thai authorities and Myanmar’s military leadership. Many fear that this is an attempt to pressure Myanmar youths who have fled conscription to return, putting them at risk of forced recruitment into the military.