UN seeks Thailand’s help to halt Myanmar crisis deterioration

Myanmar refugees, who fled a surge in violence as the military cracked down on rebel groups, rest after crossing a river on the border in Thailand's Mae Sot district [AFP]

A United Nations envoy has called for Thailand’s support to prevent an escalation of the crisis in neighbouring Myanmar and welcomed assurances that refugees fleeing Myanmar military operations would be protected by the Thai government.

Noeleen Heyzer, the UN secretary-general’s special envoy on Myanmar, made the appeal to Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as the Myanmar situation increased discord within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and caused the postponement of a ministers’ meeting set for this week.