Bangkok--Oct 2--MFA
With reference to the news reports, on 1 October 2008, quoting a South Korean MP that the Republic of Korea is considering building refugee centers in Thailand, and that South Korea President Lee Myung-bak has instructed officials to consult with Mongolia and Russia on establishing refugee zones, Mr. Voradet Viravakin, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesman has responded to media inquiries as follows:
1. First and foremost, the Thai Government has not had any agreement or cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Korea regarding the establishment of refugee centers in Thailand. Moreover, it should be noted that the media also cited that the Blue House (Office of the President), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea declined to confirm the said report.
2. Thailand’s immigration law is very clear on illegal entry and the consequences of illegal entry. In this regards, Thailand reserves rights to treat illegal immigrants in accordance with applicable Thai laws and on a humanitarian basis.
3. All North Korean entering the Kingdom illegally are thus considered illegal immigrants and must be processed in accordance with Thai laws, like other illegal immigrants.
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 news reports, on 1 October 2008, quoting a South Korean MP that the Republic of Korea is considering building refugee centers in Thailand, and that South Korea President Lee Myung-bak has instructed officials to consult with Mongolia and Russia on establishing refugee zones, Mr. Voradet Viravakin, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesman has responded to media inquiries as follows:
1. First and foremost, the Thai Government has not had any agreement or cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Korea regarding the establishment of refugee centers in Thailand. Moreover, it should be noted that the media also cited that the Blue House (Office of the President), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea declined to confirm the said report.
2. Thailand’s immigration law is very clear on illegal entry and the consequences of illegal entry. In this regards, Thailand reserves rights to treat illegal immigrants in accordance with applicable Thai laws and on a humanitarian basis.
3. All North Korean entering the Kingdom illegally are thus considered illegal immigrants and must be processed in accordance with Thai laws, like other illegal immigrants.
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-