Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's historic by-election win is also the "victory of the people". Among these citizens are the brave students and civilians that fled their country in the aftermath of the 1988 failed student uprising for democracy, which was brutally crushed by the military junta's iron-fisted rule. Numerous were killed and injured, while many became refugees in neighbouring Thailand.
Since then, more than two decades have passed.
For me, the recent positive changes in Myanmar brought back a flood of memories. I was a social worker assisting, among other nationalities, Burmese student activists to better assimilate into a foreign environment as they awaited refugee status from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangkok. Back then, I worked for the UNHCR's Foundation in Support of Refugee Assistance Programmes in Thailand.
It was here they felt most close to home. Back then, the foundation offered English lessons, a library, medical clinic and case workers who often befriended them and lent a sympathetic ear whenever a need arose. Apart from students, the first batch of refugees I came across included monks, young families with children and a mix of white- and blue-collar workers. Some came from well-to-do backgrounds, but most were middle class.
One thing all of them had in common was the zeal and affection with which they spoke about Suu Kyi, who has earned the love and admiration of her people through years of self-sacrifice. I believe it is a mutual admiration because she is well aware of the trauma and physical and emotional upheaval they have endured through the years for the sake of democracy.
As many asylum seekers were forced to leave family and friends, their stories are often traumatic. Sexual abuse, rape and intimidation at the hands of law enforcement was common during their ordeal. Unfortunately, the perpetrators could not be brought to justice because the victims, being refugees with few rights, were afraid of reprisal.
Students wore memorabilia such as T-shirts, flags and headbands in support of the democratic hero, reminding them of the reason they needed to keep focused on the task at hand. Despite the odds stacked against them, there was always a ray of hope in their eyes for a better tomorrow.
During my four years working with the activists, their biggest fear was being caught by the Thai immigration police, who often treated them with disdain. They shared graphic details on how they were handcuffed and left in the hot sun for hours before being transported to the Immigration Detention Centre. I quietly admired their fighting spirit and wondered if I could stand by a cause to the point of bodily harm as they did.
We also shared fun moments. On special occasions the students cooked Burmese food and everyone ate together. Dance and song performances also gave local staff a better understanding of Myanmar's culture and history. Among the students, I found a friend in a lovely transgender woman called Min Min. She was one of a few that came from a privileged background. Despite that, she assimilated well with the rest of the student activists who shared a common goal to see Aung San Suu Kyi spearhead democracy in their homeland. Today Min Min lives in Canada and continues to support the cause. She hopes to one day visit Myanmar, even though she doesn't foresee a major turn of events after Suu Kyi's victory.
I found Burmese people to be engaging, full of life and eager to share their opinions on everything from politics and culture to local cuisine. A handful among them found love in Thailand and long-lasting friendships were formed. While Thailand had become a second home to many, they never forgot why they were here. At all costs, they continued to voice their support for democracy in Myanmar.
I learned a lot from the tenacity of the Burmese people. Even after all these years, I will never forget what they taught me about perseverance through their enduring spirit. To stand up for what you believe in and not to give up hope were also lessons I picked up from them. True democracy is not the governance of a few powerful politicians, but rather the rule of the people. I take my hat off to the people of Myanmar for showing the world what it means to fight for democracy. Sacrifices need to be made, and while it takes guts to stand against political pressure, it is not impossible if you have belief in a better tomorrow.
Yvonne Bohwongprasert is a feature writer in the Life section of the Bangkok Post.