Bangkok--Jul 11--MFA
With reference to the return of 391 Laotian Hmongs on 10 July 2008, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state the following facts :
1. The return of this group of 391 Laotian Hmongs was undertaken in response to an expression of their wish to return home to Laos, as was the case with previous returns. Such wish was expressed freely and without any form of coercion, prompting the Thai side to respond swiftly and accommodate their wish by facilitating their smooth return to Laos.
2. The Thai authorities informed the Laotian Hmongs that they had the opportunity to change their minds at all times. Had any person decided not to return to Laos at this time, the Thai authorities would have accommodated that decision.
3. In keeping with our humanitarian tradition, each and every member of the group was screened. They were all determined to be economic migrants whose illegal entry into Thailand was in violation of Thai immigration laws. Therefore, in keeping with the sovereign right and prerogative of each country, exercised all over the world in a similar manner, a return to Laos was conducted in cooperation with the Laotian authorities.
4. The return of the group proceeded smoothly and was covered by members of the Thai and Laotian media (local and English language), who were able to interview some Laotian Hmongs and take footage of the crossing into Laos and the handover ceremony.
5. There was also a member of the first group of 11 returnees, who greeted this group of Laotian Hmongs on their return.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-
With reference to the return of 391 Laotian Hmongs on 10 July 2008, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state the following facts :
1. The return of this group of 391 Laotian Hmongs was undertaken in response to an expression of their wish to return home to Laos, as was the case with previous returns. Such wish was expressed freely and without any form of coercion, prompting the Thai side to respond swiftly and accommodate their wish by facilitating their smooth return to Laos.
2. The Thai authorities informed the Laotian Hmongs that they had the opportunity to change their minds at all times. Had any person decided not to return to Laos at this time, the Thai authorities would have accommodated that decision.
3. In keeping with our humanitarian tradition, each and every member of the group was screened. They were all determined to be economic migrants whose illegal entry into Thailand was in violation of Thai immigration laws. Therefore, in keeping with the sovereign right and prerogative of each country, exercised all over the world in a similar manner, a return to Laos was conducted in cooperation with the Laotian authorities.
4. The return of the group proceeded smoothly and was covered by members of the Thai and Laotian media (local and English language), who were able to interview some Laotian Hmongs and take footage of the crossing into Laos and the handover ceremony.
5. There was also a member of the first group of 11 returnees, who greeted this group of Laotian Hmongs on their return.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-