ID :
44209
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 23:22
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/44209
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Rohingya migrants to be deported: Thai PM
BANGKOK, Feb 4 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday that the Rohingyas' status in Thailand was that of illegal migrants and not refugees, and they would be deported to their home country in accordance with international practice on human rights.
"We won't change their status to refugee. But we will also take action against Thai human traffickers involved in rackets bringing the Rohingyas to Thailand." said Mr. Abhisit.
The premier also denied press reports that the government plans to establish a refugee centre for Rohingya boat people in the southern province of Ranong on the Myanmar border.
The authorities will also take action against Thai human traffickers who are involved in rackets bringing the Rohingyas to Thailand, he said.
Cooperation among regional countries should take placed, Mr. Abhisit said, adding that the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry had explained to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) officials during a recent meeting that Thailand will not change the status of the Rohingya boat people, but that the agency should step in and offer assistance to prevent human rights violations.
His comments were made following press reports that about one thousand local residents gathered in Ranong on Tuesday, protesting the UNHCR plan to set up a refugee centre for Rohingyas in the coastal province.
Referring to media reports quoting an Indonesian naval officer as saying that a group of Rohingya was found adrift off Indonesia's Sumatra on Monday, after being forced out to sea by Thai authorities and drifting for three weeks without an engine, food or water, Mr. Abhisit said the negative reports were made from interviews of those who might wish to settle in Indonesia, India or other countries.
It is difficult to stop such reports but every party should listen to the concerned parties and understand the Thai government's policy which is willing to let other agencies to help solve the problem, he added. (TNA)
"We won't change their status to refugee. But we will also take action against Thai human traffickers involved in rackets bringing the Rohingyas to Thailand." said Mr. Abhisit.
The premier also denied press reports that the government plans to establish a refugee centre for Rohingya boat people in the southern province of Ranong on the Myanmar border.
The authorities will also take action against Thai human traffickers who are involved in rackets bringing the Rohingyas to Thailand, he said.
Cooperation among regional countries should take placed, Mr. Abhisit said, adding that the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry had explained to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) officials during a recent meeting that Thailand will not change the status of the Rohingya boat people, but that the agency should step in and offer assistance to prevent human rights violations.
His comments were made following press reports that about one thousand local residents gathered in Ranong on Tuesday, protesting the UNHCR plan to set up a refugee centre for Rohingyas in the coastal province.
Referring to media reports quoting an Indonesian naval officer as saying that a group of Rohingya was found adrift off Indonesia's Sumatra on Monday, after being forced out to sea by Thai authorities and drifting for three weeks without an engine, food or water, Mr. Abhisit said the negative reports were made from interviews of those who might wish to settle in Indonesia, India or other countries.
It is difficult to stop such reports but every party should listen to the concerned parties and understand the Thai government's policy which is willing to let other agencies to help solve the problem, he added. (TNA)
