A Thai language radio, on March 9, said many Shan monks are believed to be preparing to participate in the planned anti-government rallies in Bangkok, but monks living both in Bangkok and Chiangmai have refuted it as baseless.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s supporters, better known as the ‘Red-Shirt’ group, will hold a mass protest against the government led by current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva in Bangkok this weekend.

According to Shan monks from both Bangkok and Chiangmai, no information as to which monastery the monks were from have been given by the authorities. No confirmation and evidence have been found either.

A monk studying in Bangkok said there is no reason for them to take part in the rally and no one from the Shan Sangha have been involved in the rallies either in the past or present and will remain so in the future.

According to him, there are many Shan monks studying in Thailand, with over 10 monks at Maha Chulalongkorn University alone.

“It is our host country’s internal affairs. They don’t concern us even though we are historical sisters and brothers,” the monk added, “Monastic law also prohibits monks from getting involved in political activities.”  

Phra Kru Inta Inthavaro, the abbot of Wat Papao, the most well-known Shan monastery in Chiangmai, also said that no one from his monastery was involved.

“We don’t support any side either red or yellow shirt,” the abbot said, “And we also don’t want to see Thailand divided.”

A Thai police, who asked not to be named also said that he has not received any concrete evidence with regard to the charge as yet. “It was as though the information was concocted.”  

Nevertheless, the Labour Minister on Tuesday announced that any migrant worker found in the rally will be imprisoned for five years and will be fined up to Baht 100,000 (3,100 $).

Moreover, their employers would also be fined up to B 100,000 for each worker if his/ her workers are among the protesters.

According to Thai law, migrant workers are not allowed to join political demonstrations because it is illegal.

A Shan elder said migrants are always being targeted as scapegoats. In 2008, they [migrants] were accused of involvement with the Yellow-Shirts, and are now being accused of supporting the Red-Shirts.

“They [migrants] are just workers. They can’t refuse his/her bosses if they are forced,” he said.

However, Nang Cherry from a rights organization in Chiangmai said that their organization has been following the events closely but are yet to get confirmation.  

She said, “I don’t’ think migrants are interested in this affair because they are already in trouble over extending their work permits by the deadline, at the end of March. If not they will be arrested and deported.”

At the same time, the Thai authorities also announced that as of March 2, migrants, who fail to apply for passport documents will face deportation to their homeland.

“So far, we are yet to hear of any harassment by the authorities,” Nang Cherry said.