Thailand Urged to Establish Shelters for Rohingya Migrants to Prevent Trafficking

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File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Thailand is being called upon to create temporary border shelters for Rohingya migrants fleeing Myanmar, to protect them from human trafficking networks.

 

This appeal comes from Siyeed Alam, president of the Rohingya Association of Thailand, who emphasises that the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State is prompting these individuals to seek refuge.

 

Siyeed Alam has suggested that by setting up these shelters, Thailand could offer a safe haven for the migrants until peace returns to Rakhine State, potentially reducing the reliance on traffickers. "This will prevent them from seeking help from human traffickers to leave Myanmar," Siyeed remarked, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

 

The Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority from Rakhine State, have been subjected to decades of persecution by Myanmar's government. Many are currently trafficked into Thailand, with some hiding in various provinces en route to Bangkok. Recently, on 16th November, about 30 Rohingya migrants were detained while travelling to Kamphaeng Phet province.

 

Rohingya migrants often have to pay brokers between 70,000 to 100,000 baht each to escape their perilous circumstances. Siyeed has urged Thai authorities to intensify efforts against these trafficking networks.

 

He also highlighted the grim reality faced by those trafficked from Myanmar's border town of Myawaddy, often sold for 150,000 to 160,000 baht, with some returning to Thailand after deportation by paying traffickers again.

The migrants face dire conditions, with many experiencing abuse, torture, or even being forced into the fishing industry. Recently, Thai police in Phang Nga province detained over 100 Rohingya migrants hiding in local forests. There is uncertainty about whether all detained were Rohingya or if Bangladeshis were also involved.

 

Reports indicate that the detained migrants revealed they arrived in the province on a large vessel carrying around 300 people, only to be dispersed onto smaller boats upon reaching Thai waters. Their intended final destination was reportedly a third country.

 

Migrant smuggling tends to slow during the rainy season, as the journey is primarily by sea. However, activities are expected to resume with the return of the dry season, making the establishment of shelters ever more pressing. This initiative aims to address the immediate needs of the Rohingya while curbing the exploitation by trafficking networks, reported Thai PBS.

 

-- 2024-11-20