Mutilated N.korean Seeks Refugee Status In Thailan

[george]

Mutilated N.Korean Seeks Refugee Status in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- A North Korean man who had his feet amputated during torture by the country¡¯s secret services after a failed attempt to defect is being interviewed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangkok, Thailand, Radio Free Asia reported Sunday.

The man identified by his family name Park arrived with his 19-year-old son in Thailand on Wednesday via China, Myanmar and Laos.

The news agency said Park was unable to stand unaided but looked otherwise healthy. He and his son are now in a detention center in Bangkok and seeking refugee status from the UNHCR.

RFA said there are 60 North Korean defectors in Thailand waiting for a UNHCR decision on their status -- 30 in an immigration detention center and the other 30 in a religious organization sponsored by the South Korean government.

--englishnews.chosun.com