Protesters converged today on the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon to demand that high-level ASEAN diplomats not legitimize Myanmar’s military coup by meeting with a junta figure in Bangkok.
“Reject the military coup,” “We need justice,” and “Free our leaders,” rang out in front of the mission on Manawhari street where several hundred gathered to urge Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi not to sit down with junta foreign affairs official Wunna Maung Lwin.
“We came here today to condemn Thailand’s government for supporting the military council which we do not accept as our government. We don’t think they will be successful, as we don’t support them,” said Ma Theint, a 37-year-old protester at the embassy told Coconuts about why they were angry at Thailand.
Retno has been pushing for ASEAN’s foreign ministers to meet and discuss the situation in Myanmar. Wunna Maung Lwin was greeted Wednesday morning at Don Mueang Airport by Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramatwinai. Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha, who seized power in a coup himself, reportedly met with him as well.
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The Bangkok meeting was arranged after Retno canceled a trip to Myanmar at the last minute. On Tuesday she called on the junta to comply with the will of the people.
Indonesian foreign affairs spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah said Retno canceled travel to Naypyidaw just before leaving because it was “not the time.”
About 30 protesters could be seen outside Thailand’s mission carrying large posters of deposed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
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