The translated statement read that because of this current domestic political issue in the Kingdom, for the maintenance of both countries’ relationship, and for the security of Burmese citizens, they should not get involved in protests during the Bangkok shutdown.
“The majority of Burmese migrant workers in Bangkok are aware of this protest because they can use the internet to know about it. Others have phones to watch the news with their phones,” said Ko Thet Khaing, a migrant worker in Bangkok.
Most of Burmese nationals in Thailand work as housemaids, at shops and factories. There are large numbers of Burmese students studying in Bangkok.
“The protest is not taking place near our (university) area. But, we have to watch out,” said one anonymous Burmese student enrolled at the Bangkok University.
The protest led by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) is demanding that the Yingluck Shinawatra steps down, handing power over to a non-elected “people council”.
PDRC will set up various stages for the rally at 20 major intersections around the capital with the intention of disrupting the work of the government, paralyzing Thailand’s capital. The party wasn’t satisfied with Yingluck’s latest moves to appease them by dissolving the Parliament, forming an independent reform council and holding early elections on Feb. 2. PDRC see her as a puppet for her self-exiled brother and former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra who fled the country amidst corruption charges. Many also fear that Yingluck will prevail in the next election with a strong backing in northern Thailand.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission announced they will seek to charge 308 politicians who attempted to amend the constitution, mostly members of Yingluck ruling Pheu Thai party.
This Monday Burmese national Tun Tun Oo was shot in the back while delivering goods to a shop near the Democracy Monument, the main anti-government protest site of the anti-government protesters. He was rushed to nearby Ramathibodi Hospital.
