Thailand denies entry to model who denounced Myanmar junta in pageant speech

FILE PHOTO: Han Lay, Miss Grand Myanmar looks on during an interview with Reuters in Bangkok, Thailand, April 2, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Myanmar model who took refuge in Thailand after speaking out against a military coup in her homeland has been blocked from returning to Bangkok, Thai authorities said on Thursday, over what her manager said was an Interpol notice.

Han Lay, who captured international attention last year with a moving beauty pageant speech calling for urgent help for Myanmar's people during a military crackdown, did not have a valid visa to enter Thailand, the immigration department said.