Since the political turmoil in Myanmar unfolded two years ago, the resulting catastrophe has remained largely contained within its border. However, recent developments have shown the crisis is now just around the corner, and as such, the Thai government's inaction, as well as the wider Asean community's lack of real sanctions, risks being interpreted as complicity with the junta in Nay Pyi Taw.
Over the past couple of days, Thai social media has been ablaze with reports about the arrest of Thaw Nandar Aung, also known as Han Lay, at Suvarnabhumi airport over supposed "irregularities" surrounding her travel documents. Netizens feared Han Lay -- who was caught in the junta's crosshairs when she spoke out against the coup against Aung San Suu Kyi's elected civilian government as Miss Grand International Myanmar 2020 -- would be deported to Myanmar, where she faces certain arrest, if not death, over her public criticism of the Burmese junta.
The former beauty queen had been living in Thailand on a tourist visa, extending it every two months to legally remain in the country while her asylum claim in Canada is reportedly being processed. However, once she reached the allowable limit of in-country extensions, she flew to Da Nang in Vietnam on a visa run.
