Burmese refugees fear deportation follow Trat governor comemnts

[fotojourn]

Up to 145,000 refugees living along the Thai-Burma border are now reported to be in fear of forced deportation following comments last week by the governor of Trat told media last week that the Thai government should consider asking them to return voluntarily.

 

The comments have caused concern to the residents of nine refugee camps in Thailand, which have been home to the refugees for the past 30 years.

 

Refugees have continued to move back and forth across the border since a fresh wave of fighting broke out in November last year. The border area remains heavily landmined, and civilians are often forced to porter for the Burmese army.

 

There have also been rumours that the Burmese army has threatened to confiscate property belonging to the refugees unless they return this month.

 

Saw Albert from the Thailand-based Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) said that the refugees could face problems obtaining food and accommodation if they are sent back soon, particularly those who fled years ago.

 

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

[bust]

Can't see it happening. Too many NGO's would lose their lucrative positions and I am sure will loby to prevent it happening. Not sure what Benjawam Aanprueng has to do with something on the other side of the country. Maybe she should concentrate on her own issues on the Cambodian border.