Myanmar: Kidnappers continue to detain Thai national in Mong Tong Township, Shan State, as of July 14

Event

Thai authorities have belatedly confirmed the kidnapping of a Thai national in Shan State, Myanmar. Officials say the victim, who is a film industry professional, visited the Tachileik area with friends for working opportunities and met a local businessperson before his abduction Jan. 4. The exact site of the kidnapping remains unclear, but the abductee is reportedly in the custody of United Wa State Army (UWSA) members in Mong Tong Township; a UWSA spokesperson has denied the allegations. The abductors have reportedly demanded a THB 24 million (USD 660,000) ransom.

Mong Tong Township is around 101 km (63 miles) west-southwest of Tachileik.

Context

The long-term abduction of a foreign national is unusual in Myanmar. Unconfirmed reports indicate the ransom demand is payment for the debts of the victim’s friends, who are allegedly involved in the drug trade. The UWSA is known to be engaged in drug trafficking. The kidnapping threat in Myanmar remains moderate. Most abductions affect locals, with political kidnapping or kidnappings by organized criminal groups most common, especially following the February 2021 military coup. Victims are usually released unharmed.