Thailand should to take lead in Rohingya rescue, say agencies

Human rights groups have urged the government to call on Myanmar and Bangladesh to seek a durable resolution to the problems of the displaced Rohingya people.

"These two countries should play a crucial role in helping Thailand to resolve this problem," Surapong Kong-janteuk - who heads the Lawyers Council’s human-rights subcommittee on the stateless, migrant workers and displaced people - said Wednesday.

He was speaking at a seminar entitled "Rohingya, out of the frying pan and into the fire: future and durable resolutions for Thailand", organised by the Anti-Human Trafficking Network of Thailand at the Student Christian Centre.

Surapong also asked the government to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help it screen whether the Rohingya were genuine political refugees, economic migrants or trafficking victims - as they would be receiving assistance from the international organisation.

The Nation