1. The Royal Thai Government deeply regrets and is disappointed at the decision of Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) to withdraw from the Huay Nam Khao Temporary Shelter for Laotian Hmong illegal immigrants in Petchaboon. The decision and the manner in which it was made seemed to run counter to the spirit of humanitarianism in which MSF first offered to assist. Indeed, politicization of this sensitive issue is not only inconsistent with humanitarian work, but also with the framework under which it was permitted to operate in the shelter. Furthermore, specific comments infringe on Thailand’s sovereignty and our immigration law.
2. Under Thai Immigration Law, these Laotian Hmongs are illegal immigrants. Thailand has been taking care of them for many years. The Royal Thai Government has provided them with temporary shelter in Huay Nam Khao, Petchaboon, accepting MSF’s offer to provide them with humanitarian aid in cooperation with local Thai authorities, pending their return to Laos. Since 2008, the Royal Thai Government has facilitated the return of several groups of Laotian Hmongs who expressed a wish to return to Laos. All returns were conducted smoothly and opened to those media interested in covering the events. Furthermore, from the commencement of the returns, there has been no report of any persecution since their return to Laos.
3. MSF’s role in providing food, medical and sanitation assistance has been appreciated by the Royal Thai Government. On their part, the Thai authorities in the temporary shelter are responsible for ensuring proper overall conditions and keeping order. Recent actions taken by Thai authorities for security reasons inside the shelter are by no means arbitrary, but rather measures which have been notified to the Laotian Hmongs since 2008. They certainly do not have anything to do with the operations of MSF in the shelter or the returns of the Laotian Hmongs.
4. Even though each operates under different terms of reference, MSF and Thai authorities share the same goal of providing a humanitarian treatment for these Laotian Hmongs. The relevant Thai authorities seriously considered the specific concerns of MSF to find ways to resolve those concerns. In fact, the Thai side expressed its readiness to engage in further dialogue and undertake a more flexible approach in working with MSF to maintain the working relationship. Above all, the Thai side adheres to the principle that the provision of humanitarian aid should continue without disruption until the issue of Laotian Hmong illegal immigrants has been resolved.
5. Regrettably, MSF remained inflexible in its intention to withdraw. The Royal Thai Government accepts the decision. Despite the short notice, efforts will be made to work with MSF to ensure a smooth phasing out of its operations.
6. Meanwhile, other independent NGOs providing educational and other assistance in the shelter continue their operations as normal.
7. At present, the Royal Thai Government is consulting various partners with a view to finding appropriate organization(s) to continue the humanitarian work in the shelter and ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted provision of humanitarian aid to the remaining Laotian Hmongs.
8. The Royal Thai Government will also continue to cooperate closely with the Laotian Government to find a lasting solution to this issue and in this regard is appreciative of the opportunities being provided to visit returnees. Interested parties should enhance interaction with Laos on this matter.
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