The Burmese embassy in Bangkok has issued a warning to its nationals in the Thai capital to avoid anti-government rallies amid a threat by protesters to bring the city to halt on 13 January by blockading major roads.
In an announcement dated 6 January, the embassy warned Burmese nationals to avoid getting involved in the so-called “Bangkok Shutdown” and associated rallies this week for the sake of their own security and to “prevent upsetting the friendship” between the two countries.
“We are concerned for Burmese nationals, especially migrant workers, as they can get arrested or injured just for being in the wrong place – we are advising everyone to stay away from protest sites and to keep updated with the news,” said Kyaw Kyaw Lwin, labour attaché at the embassy, speaking to DVB by phone.
A Burmese migrant worker was injured on Monday morning while delivering snacks in an area where a rally was taking place, and the embassy said it has been trying to reach out to him to provide the necessary assistance.
Kyaw Kyaw Lwin said Burmese migrants – if forced to join the protests by their employers – can report the matter to their embassy or the Thai government’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare.
More background on the Bangkok protests can be found here.
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