Myanmar releases Thai prisoners

Mon, 22 Apr 1996 | Source: AFP

YANGON (AFP): Myanmar will release a second batch of 33 Thai prisoners today from the 100 it promised to free in talks with the Thai prime minister last month, an official announcement said.

The first batch of 34 was released April 19 and left for Bangkok the same morning, and the final group of 33 will go home on April 24, it said.

Senior Gen. Than Shwe, the head of Myanmar's military government, informed Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa of the decision to release the prisoners during a two-day visit here on March 17-18.

A joint communique issued after the visit said the decision was made "in view of the existing friendly relations between the two countries and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne."

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