Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government (NUG) on 14 January urged Myanmar nationals living in Thailand to respect Thai law, avoid political involvement and live peacefully with local communities, following a widely reported street violence incident in Bangkok.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NUG said many Myanmar citizens had fled to Thailand because of “ongoing atrocities and brutal repression” by the military junta and limited economic opportunities at home.
The NUG called on Myanmar nationals in Thailand to refrain from involvement in Thai political or administrative affairs, avoid illegal activities, respect Thai laws and cultural traditions, and live in harmony with host communities.
It also expressed gratitude to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Thai Government and the Thai people for providing protection and refuge, and appealed for continued humanitarian support.
The statement followed a violent incident involving Thai motorcycle delivery riders and Myanmar workers in Bangkok earlier this week.
According to Thai media reports, a road dispute between a rider and a Myanmar worker escalated when three riders later went to a restaurant to resolve the issue, but were allegedly attacked by a group of about six Myanmar workers using weapons, damaging one motorcycle.
The restaurant owner said all staff involved had been dismissed. However, the incident triggered anger among riders, with nearly 400 reportedly gathering outside the restaurant in protest, prompting widespread criticism and debate on Thai social media.
The National Unity Government is a government-in-exile formed by opponents of Myanmar’s military junta following the 2021 coup.