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HMONG REFUGEES: Bangkok never raised issue: Laos
Published on July 27, 2005 - Deputy FM contradicts Thai assertions that nations are tackling problem together. Thailand has never raised with Vientiane the issue of the 6,500 Hmong refugees who are living in uncertainty in Phetchabun, a Lao minister said yesterday, contradicting statements from Bangkok that it sought cooperation from Laos to resolve the problem. The issue of Hmong refugees, who according to Thai authorities fled Laos last year, was not tabled for discussion at any level of official meetings, including the defence ministers’ meeting in Vientiane two weeks ago, said Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsavat Boupha. Thai authorities in Phetchabun are now classifying the Hmong in preparation to repatriate those who entered the country from Laos. Some of them claim to be affiliated with fighters who helped the CIA in the US war against communism in Laos during the 1960s and 70s. Many of them are members of a community in Tham Krabok camp who were left behind when the camp closed. The closure came after 15,000 Hmongs were sent to resettle in the US last May. Bangkok considered most of them illegal migrants instead of asylum seekers, and sought their expulsion from the Kingdom. Phongsavat said the Lao government considered the matter a Thai domestic affair. “But Thailand cannot force them to cross the border to Laos since we don’t know if they are really Hmong from Laos,” he said in an interview. Laos is not the only country with a Hmong population. Thailand has its own Hmong, he said. “If Thailand insists on forcing them into Laos, we need to discuss the issue via diplomatic channels,” he said. The plan to repatriate the Hmong has raised concerns among international and local agencies. The government currently allows them to stay in Ban Huay Nam Khao and has provided some humanitarian assistance after requests were made by civic groups and the National Human Rights Commission. Supalak Ganjanakhundee |
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