Myanmar Model Granted Asylum in Canada, Fled Thailand to Avoid Arrest
BANGKOK (AP) — Thaw Nandar Aung, a fashion model from Myanmar, has fled to Canada after being denied entry into Thailand and fearing arrest by the country’s military government.
Escape from Myanmar
Thaw Nandar Aung, also known as Han Lay, left Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport early Wednesday morning, according to Archayon Kraithong, a deputy commissioner of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau. She had been stuck at the airport since September 21, when Thai authorities denied her entry upon her return from a short trip to Vietnam.
Seeking Asylum
Thaw Nandar Aung told Radio Free Asia that she was headed to Canada, where she has been granted political asylum with the assistance of the UNHCR and the Canadian Embassy in Thailand.
“Everything happened so fast, and I only have a few pieces of clothing. So I will have to go along with what they have planned for me,” she said.
“I have spoken out for Myanmar wherever I go. I have talked to the media about my country while I was staying in Thailand. Since Canada is a safe place for me, I will have more opportunities to speak out on the issue. And as you know, there is a large Myanmar community in Canada, so I’m sure I’ll be able to carry on the struggle for Myanmar with their help.”
Background
Thaw Nandar Aung has been a vocal critic of Myanmar’s military government, which seized power in February 2021. She denounced the military rulers at the Miss Grand International beauty pageant in Bangkok last year, accusing them of selfishness and abusing their power to crush peaceful protests.
In July, authorities executed four activists who were accused of involvement with terrorist activities, and U.N. experts have described the country’s violence as a civil war.
Thaw Nandar Aung was charged in absentia in September last year with sedition for speaking out against the military takeover at the pageant and online. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Human Rights Concerns
New York-based Human Rights Watch accused Myanmar’s military government of revoking or otherwise interfering with Thaw Nandar Aung’s passport, making her “the victim of a deliberate political act by the junta to make her stateless when she flew back from Vietnam to Thailand.” It said the tactic was used against other critics as well.
“There is no doubt that what transpired was a trap to try to force Han Lay to return to Myanmar, where she would have faced immediate arrest, likely abuse in detention, and imprisonment,” Phil Robertson, the group’s deputy Asia director said in an emailed statement. “Fortunately, she got good advice to stay put at the airport, and wait for the kind of protection she needed. This was a victory for rights, and refugee protection.”
Conclusion
Thaw Nandar Aung’s escape to Canada marks a significant victory for her and a blow to Myanmar’s military government, which has cracked down heavily on critics and opponents. Her story highlights the risks faced by those who speak out against the government and the importance of international protection and support for refugees and asylum seekers.
FAQs
Q: Who is Thaw Nandar Aung?
A: Thaw Nandar Aung, also known as Han Lay, is a fashion model from Myanmar who has been a vocal critic of the country’s military government.
Q: Why was she denied entry into Thailand?
A: Thai authorities denied Thaw Nandar Aung entry into the country after she arrived from a short trip to Vietnam. The reason given was an “issue with her travel document.”
Q: Why did she flee to Canada?
A: Thaw Nandar Aung feared arrest by Myanmar’s military government and sought asylum in Canada, where she has been granted political asylum.
Q: What are the risks faced by those who speak out against Myanmar’s military government?
A: Those who speak out against the government face the risk of arrest, imprisonment, and abuse. Critics have been charged with sedition and other offenses, and some have been executed.
Q: What is the international response to the situation in Myanmar?
A: The international community has condemned Myanmar’s military government and called for the release of those detained for speaking out against the government. Human rights organizations have also criticized the government’s actions and called for greater international pressure to protect human rights and freedoms.