Four Rohingya Bodies Found Off Thai Coast, Carrying UNHCR Refugee Cards

SATUN, Nov 10 (TNA) - Police in southern Thailand discovered the bodies of four people floating in the sea off Satun province, all carrying refugee cards issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), local authorities said on Monday.

The bodies were found by marine police in Makham Bay near Koh Tarutao island. Initial checks indicated no boat had sunk in the area, leading officials to suspect the deceased were Rohingya migrants who had drifted from a neighbouring country while attempting to reach a third destination.

The refugee cards found on the bodies identified the individuals as being from Myanmar. These cards are typically issued by the UNHCR to Myanmar citizens, particularly the Rohingya, who have fled conflict or persecution and are registered under the agency's protection programme in Thailand. The cards carried both UNHCR and Bangladesh government logos, suggesting their place of origin or supporting documentation.

Police confirmed that two of the bodies were identified as Muslim and would be buried at the Ban Thung Wiman Muslim cemetery in Satun later on Monday. Authorities believe more bodies may still be at sea and are coordinating with naval and marine police units. However, due to severe weather and strong waves, search operations have been hampered, with officials relying on fishermen at sea for information. -819 (TNA)