No forced repatriation for Hmongs : PM

"We will not force them to return to their homeland. Our repatriation will be organised with the respect to the human rights regulations. The Hmongs have to be repatriated because they are citizens of our neighbouring country (Laos).," he said.

Future of Hmongs in the Thai soil became spotlight again after a group of 13 US lawmakers last week wrote to HM the King asking him to stop the repatriation of the Hmong to Laos.

Surayud said his government has been discussing the fate of the Hmong with Laotian officials, and that a third country would likely be asked to help with the repatriation.

"A third country would take care of the repatriation so that it does not violate their human rights," he said.

Surayud said that Thailand would stick to its agreement with Laos to send back the Hmong because so far no other country has offered to take them.

"We worried that to wait for a third country or to have a third country for the Hmongs will only encourage more Hmongs to the Thai soil.

The Nation