On the morning of February 17, 2025, an incident occurred where ‘Myanmar soldiers’ set fire to houses in the Singkhorn village, Tanawthari District, Myanmar, which is a ‘community of displaced Thais.’ The Myanmar soldiers believe that anti-government forces, specifically the Karen National Union (KNU) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF), are hiding there.
This is not the first time, as just three days prior, Myanmar soldiers had already set fire to Singkhorn village, destroying 4-5 houses. Additionally, the Myanmar military has used drones and bombers around the village, including at Singkhorn Wararam Temple, an ancient temple, causing damage to its roof.
The current situation is such that over 200-300 households in Singkhorn are fleeing in different directions. Some are evacuating through natural routes to seek refuge in relatives’ homes in Thailand (where the chances of survival if encountering Myanmar forces during the evacuation are very slim), while others are hiding in the forests along the border. Some are facing food shortages and have to sneak back into the village, which is now completely controlled by the Myanmar military, to find food.
As of now, no human rights organizations or Thai agencies have stepped in to provide assistance.”
Who are the Thais in Singkhorn?
‘Singkhorn village’ is located in Tanawthari Township, Tanawthari District, Mon State, Myanmar.
Going back to the Ayutthaya period, the towns of Tanawthari and Myeik were very important for maritime trade. From 1590 to 1767, both towns were significant trading ports along the coast, which contributed to the expansion of trade for the Kingdom of Ayutthaya.
Later, during the late reign of King Rama IV (1868), a significant event occurred when the British contacted Siam to request the demarcation of the border between Siam and Myanmar (which was then under British colonial rule). This agreement was an official recognition under international law, resulting in the towns of Myeik, Dawei, and Tanawthari becoming part of Myanmar from that point onward.
The impact of this territorial demarcation affected the geographical dimensions tied to the ethnic identities of the people on both the Siamese and Myanmar sides, causing over 40,000 Thais living in the Myeik-Tanawthari area to fall under the governance of the Myanmar nation-state according to modern maps.
However, the ‘Thais of Singkhorn’ have maintained their identity as part of the ‘Bang Saphan cultural group.’ They continue to connect and interact with Thais across the national border to this day. They have traditional cultural practices and agriculture similar to those in southern Thailand, speak a southern Thai dialect, and teach children in the community using Thai textbooks. When they fall ill, they often seek treatment at hospitals in Thailand and trade with relatives in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The Thais along the Prachuap border refer to them as ‘Singkhorn people’ or ‘Thai Singkhorn.
However, even though Singkhorn village has become part of Myanmar, the citizenship status of the Singkhorn people is very fragile. The Thai government views them as Myanmar citizens, while the Myanmar government does not recognize them as citizens and issues cards stating that they are ‘Thai.’ About 40 years ago, during the time when the Myanmar government was at war with ethnic groups in Myanmar, this group of Thais faced unfair treatment and oppression. As a result, some of them migrated to live with relatives in Thailand, while others remained stranded in Myanmar.
This has led the Singkhorn people in Myanmar to be treated as ‘illegal immigrants,’ lacking access to welfare, electricity, quality healthcare, and education, living according to traditional ways… and they are currently scattered and fleeing from Myanmar soldiers due to the ongoing war.
Calling on the ‘Thai government’ to assist ‘displaced Thais’
Phakwin Saengkhong, an advisor to the network of displaced Thais, stated in an interview with Thai Rath Online that today (February 20, 2025), the network of displaced Thais submitted a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office through coordination with the National Security Council (NSC). The main demand is for the Thai government to clearly declare its stance on how it will care for this group of displaced Thais, including those from Singkhorn who have already migrated to Thailand and those still stranded in Myanmar, as well as those hiding in the forests. The government must demonstrate clear responsibility.
‘Primarily, we have reported the situation of our displaced Thai brothers and sisters who are stranded in Myanmar. In the past 2-3 months, there have been incidents of clashes between Myanmar government soldiers and minority group forces in Singkhorn village, which is the original village of our displaced Thai brothers and sisters. It serves as a buffer zone between Myanmar soldiers and minority groups, meaning that whether Myanmar soldiers or minority group forces enter the area, the villagers welcome both sides.
‘This time, Myanmar soldiers invaded the village and checked which villages provided shelter or assistance to the minority groups, and they would proceed to burn those houses. The Myanmar soldiers have already burned over 10 houses, including dropping bombs on Singkhorn Wararam Temple.’
Currently, the Thai Singkhorn people are fleeing their community, with some migrating across natural routes to live with relatives in Thailand, while others remain hidden in the forests of Myanmar, lacking food and medicine, and at risk of being discovered by armed forces.
Phakwin stated that there are currently no organizations or agencies in Thailand providing care or assistance to this group of displaced Thais.
‘Whether it’s the Chinese or others, they are evacuating their people from Myanmar, sending planes to take care of them. But on the Thai side, there is no assistance at all, even though you can screen people to determine if they are displaced Thais or not, and whether they have Thai relatives to vouch for them. You can simply register them and manage their care through local leaders and village heads, sending supplies to ensure they do not suffer. There is so much that can be done. If you find that some are not displaced Thais but Myanmar people posing as Thais, you can screen and manage them separately.’
Phakwin believes that if the Thai government officially shows support for the people of Singkhorn village, it would greatly benefit Thailand in terms of human rights. In this case, the Thai government could easily extend help, which would also positively impact the country’s security.
‘I see the Singkhorn people as Thais. Moreover, the Nationality Act (No. 5) clearly states that they are of Thai descent and can obtain Thai nationality based on bloodline. It is already clear. Therefore, if the Thai government extends help, internationally, you will receive praise and recognition for human rights.
‘Security is not just about border lines; it is security that transcends borders. That is human security, which is the security of the country. This group of people has not caused any harm to Thailand; in fact, they promote Thailand through their culture and traditions. The Singkhorn people are very strong and clear in their identity,’ Phakwin concluded.”
Read more on https://www.thairath.co.th/news/local/2843037
