Amnesty Thailand submits petitions to the Thai government, APEC host country calling for an end of the bloody crackdown in Myanmar

Amnesty International Thailand today submitted signatures and calls to Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-O-Cha via his representative, Nalinee Mahakhun, Director of Public Service Center urging the Thai government as the APEC 2022’s host country to take a crucial role in facilitating discussions with its member countries to end bloody crackdown in Myanmar and show solidarity to the people of Myanmar.  

Piyanut Kotsan, Director of Amnesty International Thailand said almost two years after the military coup, over 1.4 million people are internally displaced in Myanmar, while 12,839 people are detained in inhumane conditions. In addition, at least 73 people faced the death penalty, of 4 were executed. This also affects to 7.8 million children who left schools. The Myanmar military has killed hundreds of protesters and civilians, whereas thousands died from armed conflict across the country after its arbitrarily coup.

Today, Amnesty International Thailand submitted 2,129 signatures who signed an online petition through Change.org to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and to Don Pramudwinai Foreign Minister, to adhere the pledges in ending the bloody crackdown in Myanmar. The move calls on the Thai government as the APEC 2022 (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) host country to play a key role in initiating the discussion to end the bloody oppression by the military in Myanmar, as well as and to show solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

“Thailand, as member state of ASEAN and as a host country of APEC 2022, must take an urgent stand towards a wide-spread human rights violation in Myanmar, and immediately provides support on humanitarian access which is very crucial at this time. Thai government must not send back those who are fleeing from violence and make sure that Thai business or state enterprise must not involve in any kind the human rights violation in which perpetrated by Myanmar military and its agencies; as well as call to Myanmar military to listen to its people who are the key stakeholders.” Piyanut Kotsan, Director of Amnesty International Thailand

Thai government to:  

1. As the host of the APEC Summit (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), Thai government must deploy all possible means to enable an environment for humanitarian assistant to cross the border. 
2. Collaborate with ASEAN states and dialogue partners, and international organizations such as UN agencies to resolve human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
3. Accept Asylum seekers and guarantee access to humanitarian aid in Thailand. Refrain from the deportation or return of Myanmar asylum seekers from well-founded fear of persecution. Provide protection for Myanmar asylum seekers and halt prosecution against them during stay in Thailand.
4. Government agencies must issue an official announcement or regulation to business enterprises and state enterprises to comply with the principles of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) signed by Thailand in a bid to take full company's responsibility to not be affiliated with or be involved in the Myanmar military and its affiliated bodies as human rights violators. Further, these state agencies must impose the targeted sanctions on military affiliated companies and suspend financial assistance and investment in interstate projects in Myanmar.