Just plain fed up! - Thousands in Myanmar seeking to leave after junta announces draft


The Thai embassy in Yangon has been swamped with young men and women seeking visas to get out of Myanmar. - PHOTO: AFP

YANGON (AFP): More than 1,000 people lined up at the Thai embassy in Yangon on Friday as young people sought to leave Myanmar after the junta said it would impose military service.

The military said last weekend it would enforce a law allowing it to call up all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve for at least two years as it struggles to quell opposition to its 2021 coup.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Indonesia, US and allies launch annual military drill
South Korea's Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han sentenced to two years for corruption
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (Aug 31, 2026)
AI rules - LG creates virtual K-pop group to promote washer-dryer in spin on home appliance ads
Last-minute flood warning saved over 900 Nepal students, school head says
Flash flood, heavy rain warning issued across upper Thailand this week; fishermen advised to stay home
Japan’s biggest curry chain CoCo Ichibanya headed for sale
Fires and haze issues aside, Indonesia now also faces another problem - Mount Sinabung erupts and spews ash 3.5km above the summit
Nepal teams seek hundreds trapped in hydropower tunnels after deadly floods as death toll goes above 900 in tragedy
Automatic invitations not extended to former PMs for National Day parade

Others Also Read