Thai military government plans to send back Myanmar refugees

Thai military government plans to send back Myanmar refugees

Published on Saturday, 21 June 2014 18:13

2

Ethnic Karen in Ohn Pyan refugee camp at Thailand-Myanmar border (Photo-EMG)

Myawaddy – Thai military government is planning to repatriate more than 70,000 Myanmar displaced people from the camps located along Myanmar and Thailand border, sources in Thailand say.

The repatriation issue came up at the Thailand’s workshop organised by the deputy permanent secretary for Interior Ministry.

Local authorities, UNHCR officials from Bangkok and Mae Sot, government officials in charge of Hpa-an camp, and security officials from nine refugee camps took part in the workshop.

The relevant officials reached the conclusion of repatriation following a field trip to Mae La camp on June 18.

“Previously, Thailand sent back war refugees from Cambodia and Laos after reaching agreements with respective countries. So it is a good time for Myanmar refugees to return to their country. It is convenient time as Myanmar is the Asean Chair,” a Thai military commander said.

Thailand has allowed displaced people to cross the border from Myanmar since 1984. There are nine camps located in four districts on the border. Ethnic people, like those from Karen State, often seek shelter in Thailand during the military skirmishes. 

The number of displaced people from Myanmar used to soar to more than 100,000. At present about 76,650 are in nine camps along the Myanmar-Thai border.