Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) has expressed concern over the Thai authorities handing over three members of the People’s Defence Forces (PDF) to the Myanmar junta authorities.

As they note in a press release: “On March 31, 2023, three members of the Resistance Forces from Myanmar were arrested by Thai authorities and handed over to the terrorist Myanmar military group, in violation of the international police procedures.

“This action threatens the life and safety of Myanmar citizens who have been displaced and sought a refuge in Thailand due to various reasons, including oppressive and atrocious acts of the terrorist Military Council. The National Unity Government, as the people’s government and with its inherent responsibility to protect the citizens, is paying a very close attention to these incidents and similar incidents, and is continuously communicating and coordinating with the relevant organizations to reach to a solution.”

Three PDF members seeking medical treatment were arrested in the Thai border town of Mae Sot and handed back to the Myanmar junta’s Border Guard Force (BGF).

It is believed that they are currently being interrogated at the Thingan Nyi Naung Myanmar junta military camp in Myawaddy.

Thiha (38), Htet Nay Win (31), and Saw Phyo Lay (26) were arrested by Thai Immigration at a checkpoint on the road to Bangkok on 1 April.

They had been trying to go to a medical clinic in Mae Sot to receive treatment, but got lost and took a wrong turn.