On 10 November 2010, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Acting Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responded to media enquiries regarding the situation along the Thai-Myanmar border, including that of people fleeing from fighting along the Thai-Myanmar border. Gist as follows:
1. Since the fighting in Myanmar along its border with Thailand began on 7 November 2010, the situation has improved significantly. People fleeing from fighting in Myanmar into Thailand have continuously crossed back to their homes where the situation is now calm — with the Thai authorities helping to provide necessary facilitation. As of the morning of 10 November 2010, all of the approximately 17,000 people who fled into Thailand at Mae Sot District, Tak Province have returned home, while a small number still remain in Phob Phra District, Tak Province and in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province.
2. It has been Thailand’s long-standing policy to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, and this time is no exception. The Thai authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Thai Army, the Thai Border Patrol Police, the Thai Red Cross, as well as the Thai private sector, have been working together in providing humanitarian assistance to people fleeing from fighting in Myanmar into Thailand. This includes providing temporary shelter, food and water, medical assistance, as well as other basic needs. The Thai authorities concerned have also coordinated with the UNHCR, IOM and various NGOs in rendering assistance to these people.
3. Meanwhile, the Thai authorities have been coordinating with the Myanmar authorities through the Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC) — a local-level bilateral mechanism — regarding the situation. The Thai authorities remain prepared for any humanitarian need which may arise.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th