Myanmar citizens in Thailand to cast advance votes this weekend

Myanmar citizens in Thailand will cast advance votes in a general election organized by the military junta in Naypyidaw on December 6-7, according to the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok.

The phased election, denounced by Western governments and pro-democracy groups as a sham, will take place on December 28. It will be followed by the second round on January 11.

The embassy said in a statement that Myanmar citizens residing in Thailand will be able to vote in advance at the polling station at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, which will be open between 9am and 4pm on December 6-7.

However, only those who have submitted the so-called Form 15 will be eligible to vote. The embassy said voters are required to bring their original or a copy of their national registration card and their original passport.

Myanmar citizens living abroad are required to fill out Form 15 in advance to be eligible for advance voting. The form is available online and at Myanmar consular offices or embassies.

Western countries and human rights groups have dismissed the upcoming election as an exercise to legitimize the military junta that seized power in 2021.

Most major political parties have been excluded from the election, and more than 30,000 political opponents – including members of the democratically elected government and political representatives – have been detained since the coup.