Han Lay’s Speech on Myanmar’s Situation Captivates the Masses at Miss Grand International event

Beauty contestant Han Lay, 22, is making headlines for standing up to the Myanmar military while delivering a bold speech at the Miss Grand International event. 

Even though she didn’t win the contest, her thought-provoking speech has captured the attention of the masses. 

Han Lay, a psychology student used the international pageant to speak about the atrocities her country’s citizens are facing at the hands of the military. 

“Today in my country Myanmar ... there are so many people dying,” she expressed at the event. 

“Please help Myanmar. We need your urgent international help right now”, she added. 

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After Ms. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won elections, the military took hold of the country on February 1 and declared a year-long state of emergency.      

The military and the opposition in the country claim that Ms. Suu Kyi's NLD party won through fraud and demanded a second election however the election commission didn’t support their claims. 

Ms. Suu Kyi along with other party members has been now taken to an undisclosed location and she’s facing various charges against her including violation of the country’s official secrets act. 

Ever since the emergence of this coup several people including teachers, lawyers, and even students have taken to the streets to protest against the military.  Reportedly 27 March was said to be the deadliest day when more than 100 people were killed. 

Han Lay boldly discussed the complex political situation at the grand international event thereby bringing the spotlight on Myanmar. 

She however fears for her life as well as the safety of her family members after her captivating speech. This is the reason she’s decided to remain in Thailand for another 3 months. 

“I am so worried about my family and my security because I spoke out a lot about the military and the situation in Myanmar. In Myanmar everyone knows there are limits on speaking out about what is happening,” she said.

Han Lay who is only 22 took to the streets of Yangon in Myanmar to protest against the injustice inflicted on her fellow citizens. 

“I can say one thing, that we Myanmar citizens will never give up,” she told Reuters. “They told me that they will fight on the street and I'm also fighting my way on the stage now. So I think that if they will not give up, we will win.”