On 11 February 2011 Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responded to media enquiries concerning news reports alleging that 91 Rohingyas found in India’s Andaman and Nicobar islands were “set adrift” from Thailand, as follows:
1. From the latest information received, Thai authorities confirmed that they took into custody a group of 91 illegal migrants found onshore in Trang Province and handled their cases in accordance with the country’s immigration law. They were well treated and provided with the necessary basic needs in official facilities under the care of the Thai authorities. These individuals subsequently attested to be of Myanmar origin and therefore were deported at the border crossing in Ranong Province, which was in line with their wish. Thai authorities have no knowledge as to how this group of people may have travelled onwards after they departed from Thai territory.
2. To base assessment and findings on a one-sided account is unwarranted. Thailand has been providing humanitarian assistance to those in need, in spite of the heavy burden involved, in keeping with our long-standing tradition. This consideration has also been duly applied in the case of illegal migrants to whom the Kingdom has to apply its immigration law.
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