Anti-Prayut activists want to enlist to fight in Ukraine

Six would-be volunteers visit the Ukrainian embassy. For Chanaphong, 28, Ukrainians “are also fighting for democracy”. Thailand voted to condemn Russia at the UN but the prime minister has tried to stay away from the controversial issue.

Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Some members of Thailand’s pro-democracy movement, which has been protesting against the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret) since 2020, have expressed the intention to enlist in the “international legion" fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine.

Chanaphong “Ball” Phongpai, a former Thai Air Force conscript turned political activist, and five friends registered on a site for potential recruits to help Ukraine and visited the Ukrainian embassy in Bangkok.

In a single day, the online Thai language group gathered the names of more than 2,000 people interested in volunteering for Ukraine.

However, for the Ukrainian embassy, volunteers must provide documents online, including proof of military training and a clean criminal record. Thus, it is unclear whether they will be accepted into the “international legion”.

Chanaphong, 28, said he was shocked at what was happening to the Ukrainian people, particularly following news of Russian attacks on civilians. “I have been involved in demanding democracy in my country ... and opposing tyranny,” he told Reuters in an interview.

Speaking about the Ukrainians, he added that, “They are also fighting for democracy and [the country] is now invaded by a superpower and a tyrant, so I asked myself what I can do for them”

“Other men and I have some basics weapons training, so I think I might be useful to help save the Ukrainians from this crisis,” he explained. 

Thailand was among 141 countries that condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine at the UN General Assembly; however, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has kept a neutral stance since the start of Russia’s military operations on 24 February.

Thai government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said that no law prevents Thai citizens from joining foreign volunteer forces but she urged people to consider the potential grave danger that going to war entails.

• thailand
• ukraine
• russia
• invasion
• thai volunteers
• democracy
• united nations
• general assembly