Diplomats from OIC Member Countries Observe Thailand’s Southern Situation and Assistance for Rohingya Migrants

(01/02/2013)

A group of 17 diplomats from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries has observed the situation in the southern border provinces and Thailand’s assistance for Rohingya illegal migrants. They expressed their satisfaction with the country’s good care for the Rohingyas. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul led the group, comprising ambassadors and representatives of foreign embassies in Thailand, to the South on 31 January 2013. The objective of the visit was to provide them with first-hand information about the southern situation and better understanding of the Thai government’s firm determination to tackle southern unrest. The trip took them to Songkhla, Pattani, and Yala. In Songkhla, the diplomats observed the living conditions of Rohingya women and children at the home under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. There are currently 105 Rohingya women and children in Songkhla, 13 in Trang, 18 in Narathiwat, and 22 in Pattani. Mr. Surapong said that Thailand and OIC member countries would discuss cooperation in finding third countries for the Rohingya migrants and helping develop Myanmar, their country of origin. According to the Office of the National Security Council, Thailand will provide assistance for the Rohingyas on a humanitarian basis and will not establish a refugee camp for them. The illegal Rohingya migrants will be allowed to stay in Thailand temporarily, not more than six months. About 1,400 Rohingyas have reportedly been detained at various shelters in southern Thailand. At the Sirindhorn Military Camp in Yarang district of Pattani, the diplomats were briefed about the Thai government’s policy of dealing with the southern situation. Mr. Surapong emphasized that the Government is making efforts to resolve the southern unrest, based on the royal advice of His Majesty the King to “understand, reach out, and develop.” The group was told that the Government attached great important to southern development in accordance with the local way of living and aspects of culture and identity. In Yala province, the group of diplomats visited Thamvitya Mulniti School, which is an Islamic school located in Mueang district. They met school administrators, teachers, and students for discussion on teaching and learning there. The school now focuses on equipping students with English proficiency to prepare them for the ASEAN Community, which will be in place in 2015. About 60 percent of students in this school continue their studies at various universities in Thailand, while 40 percent continue their education in foreign countries, especially Egypt, Sudan, and Malaysia. The Government is ready to develop and support human resources in the South to provide local residents with greater opportunities in all aspects.