Myanmar's Beauty Contestant To Remain In Thailand

By Linda Khoo Hui Li BANGKOK, April 1 (Bernama) -- Myanmar’s beauty pageant contestant who on last Saturday used her brief moment on stage to appeal for international help for her country will remain in Thailand as the current situation back home is deemed unsafe for her to return home. According to Nawat Itsaragrisil, an official representing the organiser of the Miss Grand International, Han Lay will be staying in Thailand for at least three months to ensure her safety. Nawat said Han Lay would be under the pageant organiser’s care during her stay in the kingdom. “Miss Grand International management will be covering all the expenses, and will be applying for a work permit for Han Lay, to allow her to work legally in Thailand," he was quoted saying by Thai PBS tv station. The pageant coincided with the deadliest day of the crackdown that followed the coup on Feb 1, which left 114 people dead. Meanwhile, Han Lay said many were more aware of the situation in Myanmar now following her brief speech on Saturday night, the day of the worst bloodshed back where more than 100 people died in a day. “After my speech, they know more about the situation in Myanmar… Before, they only knew that there was a military coup, but they didn’t know how many people were being killed or suffering in my country. I want to say thank you for supporting Myanmar. “Myanmar citizens cannot do anything, they can’t stop the military… We are calling for help from the international community, we need the United Nations’ help very urgently,” she said at the press conference. On Saturday night, Han Lay fought back tears as she spoke about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar following a military coup on Feb 1 that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi from power. “Today in my country, Myanmar, while I am standing on this stage, more than 100 people died today… Please help Myanmar. We need your urgent international help right now,” she said on Miss Grand International pageant stage. -- BERNAMA