THE RUSSIAN Embassy in Thailand posted a message on Facebook today (March 5) warning Thais not to volunteer to fight for Ukraine because foreign mercenaries are not classified as soldiers and are not eligible for prisoner of war status, Matichon newspaper.
The Russian embassy cited reports published on social media and a notice calling for volunteers posted at the Ukrainian embassy webpage as leading to the issuing of this warning by the Russian Defence Ministry.
The Russian embassy added that it had received letters and messages of support from Thais and foreigners living in Thailand.
Some said they would like to register to join the Russian army but Russian law prohibits foreigners residing outside its country from doing so with the embassy expressing gratitude for sympathy and support for Russia.
Meanwhile a group of a hundred Ukrainians staged symbolic activities at Lumpini Park today to call on Russia to end the war in their country.
A team of policemen from Lumpini station were on hand to ensure orderliness but the hour-long event organised by Mr. Roman Vasylyovych, or Roman Rak, was peaceful.
The participants brandished placards with various messages such as "Stop Genocide," "Peace in Ukraine," and "No War."
They prayed, sang the Ukrainian national anthem, distributed face masks with Ukrainian flag painted on it, and also shouted, "Putin stop the war" and "Close the Ukrainian airspace."
There was a skit by six women dressed in white who knelt as sirens wailed with this symbolising the war. They then got up and painted their bodies in red as a symbol of blood stains and then lit candles and prayed.
Vasylyovych said the photos on show at the event display what is happening in their homeland everyday and that he wanted everyone to see the brutality of war.
Ms. Thanruetai Thanrat, the group's coordinator, said she helped her Ukrainian friends organise this symbolic event in a peaceful and tranquil manner to draw maximum attention to Ukraine.
Those attending are Ukrainians who have a house or family in Thailand but the people in their homeland are being killed and injured in the war.
She also pointed out that today's event is different from the one held last weekend when there was a march from this park to Benjakitti Park. It is also not very long so as to not violate the emergency decree and the Communicable Disease Act.