Rohingya say hopes fading

Depression is infiltrating the Ranong detention centre as the Rohingya refugees fear that they might become forgotten people without any hope for resettlement in a third country.

Yesterday, 22 Rohingya held on charges of illegal entry were allowed to talk to reporters while receiving donated supplies at the Ranong Immigration Office.

A man said life in custody was stressful because everyone was worried about his future.

"The anxiety increases after hearing the story that two detainees in the past died without regaining their freedom and the other 13 became lame due to prolonged captivity," he said.

Their dream of starting a new life in another country was fast fading as Thai authorities appeared reluctant to settle the issue one way or another, he said.

And the overcrowded cell just made life for the Rohingya more miserable, he added.

This month, the cramped facility has to accommodate 1,390 refugees, comprising 1,184 males and 206 females.