With reference to Benjawin Zawacki’s article entitled “Thailand again sullies its human rights record” published in the Bangkok Post on 7 January 2011, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of Information and Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, responded to media enquiries as follows:
1. It has been Thailand’s longstanding policy to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need. Over the years, the country has hosted more than 100,000 displaced persons from Myanmar in temporary camps along the Thai-Myanmar border.
2. Since fighting began inside Myanmar on 7 November 2010, causing an intermittent influx of persons fleeing fighting into the Kingdom, the Thai authorities have been working together to provide humanitarian assistance to them. This has been done with strong support from the private sector as well as local Thai communities. We have also maintained close coordination with the UNHCR and various NGOs to meet the basic needs of those fleeing fighting during their temporary displacement.
3. Contrary to allegations made, people have been returning voluntarily once the situation on the Myanmar side of the border stabilised. Most desire to return to their own families and properties in their areas of origin. On Thailand’s part, we have also ascertained that those returning have been doing so under safe and dignified conditions. The past weeks have shown that those not yet ready to return have been allowed to prolong their temporary stay. In addition, there has been coordination with authorities on the Myanmar side of the border to ensure that the conditions were conducive for their return. This was also the case with those who returned to Myanmar on 25 December 2010 from Phob Phra District. Significantly, international organisations and NGOs were able to observe conditions under which the people were returning.
4. Thailand recognises the porous nature of the border and the sporadic nature of the incidents on the Myanmar side. It has allowed persons fleeing fighting back into Thai territory whenever fighting resumes in any particular area. The Thai authorities concerned have prepared necessary shelter, food and water to meet humanitarian needs that may occur, as we have done for over 30,000 persons since November 2010.
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