Thailand criticized for returning Myanmar resistance members

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Human rights groups and opposition politicians in Thailand are criticizing the government for forcibly repatriating three men who were reportedly members of an anti-government resistance movement in military-ruled Myanmar. The Bangkok-based People’s Empowerment Foundation says the action violated universal human rights principles and Thailand’s own policy because the men were likely to be in danger as a result of their activities fighting against Myanmar’s military government. Myanmar’s independent media, which operate underground and in exile, reported that the three men were members of a resistance group and crossed into Thailand to have at least one of them treated for injuries. A leaked Thai government document saya the men had not identified themselves as combatants.