Open your eyes to the plight of Burma
Source : Pongtheb Yangsomcheep, Bangkok Post
Many of my Thai friends have asked me why there are so many Burmese in Thailand. They say the Burmese are not only financial burdens but also cause security threats to our country.
My reply to them is to point out that what they see is an illusion.
In 1988, Burmese students and civilians demonstrated against the military regime and were brutally suppressed. Unlike the success Thais gained on October 14, 1973, democratic Burmese are still living under oppression 12 years later. After 1988, Burmese refugees were forced to leave their homes to seek asylum in Thailand because many of their families and colleagues were killed as they stood up against the Burmese military regime. They have been forced to leave their homes and become porters and labourers. Many women have been raped by armed soldiers in uniforms. Wives have been raped and killed in front of their husbands and young kids. And many other scenarios beyond our imaginations have happened there.
My dear Thais, please wake up from the illusions that you have!