Palestinians from Syria ask for refugee status in Thailand

[webfact]

Palestinians from Syria ask for refugee status in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Dozens of Palestinians stranded in Thailand after fleeing war-torn Syria a year ago on Thursday petitioned the United Nations to speed up the process of granting them refugee status.

The Palestinian petitioners, most of them children, gathered outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) in Bangkok in a bid to draw attention to their increasingly desperate plight in the kingdom.

"We need recognition as a special case with no homeland to return to," said Tamman Tamim, 37, a spokesman for the Palestinians from Syria.

An estimated 300 Palestinians have fled fighting in Syria for Thailand over the past year, after being granted visas by the Thai embassy in Damascus.

"We were like visitors in Syria," Tamim said. "We didn’t take sides so when the war broke out we decided to run away."

Even though they did not have passports, Thailand granted them visas to travel to Bangkok, where they immediately sought refugee status from the UNHCR.

But a year later, the UNHCR has yet to process their cases to make them eligible for resettlement or at least the renewal of their visas in Thailand.

"Now there are 25 Palestinians in jail because they don’t have visas," Tamim said.

Lacking passports and visas, the Palestinians are at constant risk of arrest by Thai authorities.

They called for their visas to be automatically renewed and for refugee status to be conferred quickly by the UNHCR.

After the state of Israel was created 66 years ago, thousands of Palestinians fled to neighbouring Arab states where they became refugees.

Many of those who fled to Syria are now seeking another refuge.


-- The Nation 2014-04-10

[jaidam]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't there quite an abundance of Islamic utopias closer to Syria such as Yemen, Eritrea, Iran that might make a more suitable residence? They do know that Thai women don't wear a burqua right?

[Jingthing]

It might more sense for another country with a more established Palestinian community to take them in, such as Chile, Canada, Italy, or the USA. Also, many Palestinians are Christians.

Edited April 10, 2014 by Jingthing

[geriatrickid]

It might more sense for another country with a more established Palestinian community to take them in, such as Chile, Canada, Italy, or the USA. Also, many Palestinians are Christians.

These are not.

They are 3rd generation Syrians. The arabs who are leaving Syria have typically been aligned with the Assad regime which exploited this arab community and encouraged extremism. Palestinians have a long history of backing the wrong side and don't learn from past strategic errors. They supported Hussein's invasion of Kuwait and then complained when the Kuwaitis turned on them. The attacked the Jordanian arabs attempting to overthrow the King and then complained when they were subject to harsh measures. They aligned with Libya and Tunisia and then wondered why people turned on them following the arab spring. They supported the Muslim brotherhood and now are facing retribution from the Egyptians. The Thais are reasonably justified in not wanting to provide sanctuary for people who do not necessarily respect a nation of infidels

They can ask countries like Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran to honour their pledges of friendship and provide sanctuary.

[rubl]

"Even though they did not have passports, Thailand granted them visas to travel to Bangkok, where they immediately sought refugee status from the UNHCR."

I'm afraid that that sentence should probably read like

"A Thai working at the Thai embassy in Syria provided the necessary papers to allow travel to Thailand. Arriving in Thailand all were found to have lost their papers when someone inadvertedly opened a window in the aeroplane during the flight."

Edited April 10, 2014 by rubl

[clockman]

More slaves are needed.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It might more sense for another country with a more established Palestinian community to take them in, such as Chile, Canada, Italy, or the USA. Also, many Palestinians are Christians.

These are not.

They are 3rd generation Syrians. The arabs who are leaving Syria have typically been aligned with the Assad regime which exploited this arab community and encouraged extremism. Palestinians have a long history of backing the wrong side and don't learn from past strategic errors. They supported Hussein's invasion of Kuwait and then complained when the Kuwaitis turned on them. The attacked the Jordanian arabs attempting to overthrow the King and then complained when they were subject to harsh measures. They aligned with Libya and Tunisia and then wondered why people turned on them following the arab spring. They supported the Muslim brotherhood and now are facing retribution from the Egyptians. The Thais are reasonably justified in not wanting to provide sanctuary for people who do not necessarily respect a nation of infidels

They can ask countries like Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran to honour their pledges of friendship and provide sanctuary.

What we don't want is a load of losers , there's a few around Thailand now, send them to Australia they are short of taxi drivers this week , onya prime Minister Tony.

[sae57]

1. Thailand is 5-10% Muslim. Throughout the country, not just the South. Thailand is very much a Muslim-friendly country.

2. They're not asking for permanant residency, but for UN recognized refugee status, which would presumably open up more options for them.

Thailand is to be commended for taking them in in the first place. It's the UN that's dropped the ball. Not that Thailand has it "right" yet, but it is trying to become a responsible member of the community of nations and floundering around trying to find its popular role.\--S

[useronthenet]

The chance of Thailand unconditionally accepting Refugees, is about as much chance as I have of getting a one-way ticket to the moon!

[geriatrickid]

1. Thailand is 5-10% Muslim. Throughout the country, not just the South. Thailand is very much a Muslim-friendly country.

2. They're not asking for permanant residency, but for UN recognized refugee status, which would presumably open up more options for them.

Thailand is to be commended for taking them in in the first place. It's the UN that's dropped the ball. Not that Thailand has it "right" yet, but it is trying to become a responsible member of the community of nations and floundering around trying to find its popular role.\--S

Thailand is not a "muslim friendly" country. It tolerates the muslims. Any Thai who serves in the south comes back with a dislike of muslims. Thais are fed a steady stream of bombings and violence from the south and attach such events to muslims. One can argue that it may be unjust or wrong, but that's what it is. Ask your Thai friends what they their feelings about muslims are. You are in for a shock. A wide scale brutal ethnic cleansing could one day occur in Thailand, much as what has happened in Burma.

You commend Thailand? Are you aware that it was never Thailand's intent to accept them in the first place? Thailand is a hub for human trafficking. There was probably an assumption that these refugees would move on. In the case of the Syrian refugees in Phuket, it was because the Chinese spotted the bogus travel documents and sent them back to Thailand. The Phuket stranded Syrians were on their way to the EU. Thailand is a waypoint for the refugees and the refugees have paid large amounts to transit Thailand.

[ABCer]

All words here sound very nice.

All intentions are honourable.

Thailand is a generous country.

Why do I see big trouble?

It must be my sixth sense that senses nonsense...

Palestinians! God help us all...

[simple1]

1. Thailand is 5-10% Muslim. Throughout the country, not just the South. Thailand is very much a Muslim-friendly country.

2. They're not asking for permanant residency, but for UN recognized refugee status, which would presumably open up more options for them.

Thailand is to be commended for taking them in in the first place. It's the UN that's dropped the ball. Not that Thailand has it "right" yet, but it is trying to become a responsible member of the community of nations and floundering around trying to find its popular role.\--S

The Thai Muslim population is around 5%.

Thailand has not signed/ratified the UN Convention for Refugees so it would complicate any UNHCR efforts to process the Palestinians to confirm their refugess status & coordinate resettlement in a third party country. Currently there are around 1.8 million refugees worldwide who have been processed by UNHCR and awaiting resettlement. Current rate for resettlement by UN member countries who have ratified the Convention is approx 100k p.a.

[BuaBS]

Refugee status in Thailand ? Ask the Birmanese in the camps in Tak how that works out.

If the palestinians were smart , they would go to Malaysia or Indonesia , That are moslim countries. Thailand has enough problems with theirs.

If they were really smart , they would go to the EU. Refugies get the red carpet and immediately suck on the tit of social security.

Oh and their molim brothers are already there.

Edited April 11, 2014 by BuaBS

[monkey4u]

I guess this lot missed their boat to Australia

[pitchag]

If they Arabs why not ask for refugee status in an arab country, surely arabs should look after arabs

[Thaiready]

What I have enjoyed the many years I've lived here.....no Muslims in my area.....lets keep it that way.

[hansnl]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't there quite an abundance of Islamic utopias closer to Syria such as Yemen, Eritrea, Iran that might make a more suitable residence? They do know that Thai women don't wear a burqua right?

Oh indeed, there are dozens of islamic utopias near to Syria.

But none will accept Palestinians.

Why?

But maybe, just maybe, those so-called fugutives are sent to Thailand to start what the so-called religion of peace, is doing everywhere else in the world?

[hansnl]

1. Thailand is 5-10% Muslim. Throughout the country, not just the South. Thailand is very much a Muslim-friendly country.

2. They're not asking for permanant residency, but for UN recognized refugee status, which would presumably open up more options for them.

Thailand is to be commended for taking them in in the first place. It's the UN that's dropped the ball. Not that Thailand has it "right" yet, but it is trying to become a responsible member of the community of nations and floundering around trying to find its popular role.\--S

Thailand is not a "muslim friendly" country. It tolerates the muslims. Any Thai who serves in the south comes back with a dislike of muslims. Thais are fed a steady stream of bombings and violence from the south and attach such events to muslims. One can argue that it may be unjust or wrong, but that's what it is. Ask your Thai friends what they their feelings about muslims are. You are in for a shock. A wide scale brutal ethnic cleansing could one day occur in Thailand, much as what has happened in Burma.

You commend Thailand? Are you aware that it was never Thailand's intent to accept them in the first place? Thailand is a hub for human trafficking. There was probably an assumption that these refugees would move on. In the case of the Syrian refugees in Phuket, it was because the Chinese spotted the bogus travel documents and sent them back to Thailand. The Phuket stranded Syrians were on their way to the EU. Thailand is a waypoint for the refugees and the refugees have paid large amounts to transit Thailand.

Quite true, Thailand tolerates muslims, but only just.

And really, I will not be shocked what Thai people think about muslims

What is more, friends tell me if ever the southern provinces will become seperated from Thailand, the non-muslims will disappear from there.

Time to transfer all the muslims from Thailand to those provinces.

Better start now.......

[marko kok prong]

Whist i have sympathy for their plight,i think this would be a very bad idea and set a dangerous precedent for Thailand,the word gets out and soon we have hundreds wanting asylum here, i am surprised they were allowed here in the first place.

[simple1]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't there quite an abundance of Islamic utopias closer to Syria such as Yemen, Eritrea, Iran that might make a more suitable residence? They do know that Thai women don't wear a burqua right?

Oh indeed, there are dozens of islamic utopias near to Syria.

But none will accept Palestinians.

Why?

But maybe, just maybe, those so-called fugutives are sent to Thailand to start what the so-called religion of peace, is doing everywhere else in the world?

Your comment is not supported by facts; e.g.

Syria hosted Palestinian 499,189 registered refugees, but most of the camps have been destroyed in the civil war so they would comprise some of the millions seeking refuge from the civil war elsewhere or IDPs.

Until a few years ago, Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon hosted 448,599 registered refugees. Palestinian refugee camps refugee camps in Jordan with 2,034,641 registered refugees.

It is fair to say the Palestinian refugees have been a political football between Israel & the Arab States for decades.

[fabphil]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It might more sense for another country with a more established Palestinian community to take them in, such as Chile, Canada, Italy, or the USA. Also, many Palestinians are Christians.

These are not.

They are 3rd generation Syrians. The arabs who are leaving Syria have typically been aligned with the Assad regime which exploited this arab community and encouraged extremism. Palestinians have a long history of backing the wrong side and don't learn from past strategic errors. They supported Hussein's invasion of Kuwait and then complained when the Kuwaitis turned on them. The attacked the Jordanian arabs attempting to overthrow the King and then complained when they were subject to harsh measures. They aligned with Libya and Tunisia and then wondered why people turned on them following the arab spring. They supported the Muslim brotherhood and now are facing retribution from the Egyptians. The Thais are reasonably justified in not wanting to provide sanctuary for people who do not necessarily respect a nation of infidels

They can ask countries like Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran to honour their pledges of friendship and provide sanctuary.

What we don't want is a load of losers , there's a few around Thailand now, send them to Australia they are short of taxi drivers this week , onya prime Minister Tony.

hey dude get a life we dont want any more freeloading welfare grabbing illegals we got enough already

[GuestHouse]

Perhaps the Russians or Chinese can help.

They've vetoed every attempted resolution of the conflict, they ought to be glad to help with the consequences.

[Morakot]

What I have enjoyed the many years I've lived here.....no Muslims in my area.....lets keep it that way.

[bigbamboo]

Samuel Johnson once stated that to be born an Englishman was like winning the first prize in the lottery of life.

If he were around today I wonder what he'd make of being born a Palestinian in Syria and having to apply to stay in Thailand.

[Coppernicussing]

Thai also seek refuge statues in Palestine.

[Jingthing]

Thai also seek refuge statues in Palestine.

Sure they do.

Sure they do.

[hawker9000]

Don't do it! Thailand will regret it.

[belg]

drop them all in the south and make them to be a teacher for 5 years

[NowImEasy]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't there quite an abundance of Islamic utopias closer to Syria such as Yemen, Eritrea, Iran that might make a more suitable residence? They do know that Thai women don't wear a burqua right?

Oh indeed, there are dozens of islamic utopias near to Syria.

But none will accept Palestinians.

Why?

But maybe, just maybe, those so-called fugutives are sent to Thailand to start what the so-called religion of peace, is doing everywhere else in the world?

Your comment is not supported by facts; e.g.

Syria hosted Palestinian 499,189 registered refugees, but most of the camps have been destroyed in the civil war so they would comprise some of the millions seeking refuge from the civil war elsewhere or IDPs.

Until a few years ago, Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon hosted 448,599 registered refugees. Palestinian refugee camps refugee camps in Jordan with 2,034,641 registered refugees.

It is fair to say the Palestinian refugees have been a political football between Israel & the Arab States for decades.

These refugees are Syrian, and not "Palestinian". In my mind, there are no Palestinian people. When Israel was founded, all the neighboring Arab states waged war on the new nation. Israel accepted and assimilated the local Arab population, mainly Jordanians, into their country and let them become citizens, and they prospered. But when Israel defeated the combined Arab armies in 1949, the local Arabs who did not accept Israel's offer, became what are known as "Palestinian Refugees".

The question any logical person would ask is why weren't these people accepted into existing Arab countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq? They were more valuable as a political tool to dupe low information types into believing the lie that Israel is heartless.

As a previous poster noted, these Arabs just continue to choose the wrong side.

[Seastallion]

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't there quite an abundance of Islamic utopias closer to Syria such as Yemen, Eritrea, Iran that might make a more suitable residence? They do know that Thai women don't wear a burqua right?

OR....... maybe if Israel got out of their land in the West Bank, closed all the illegal settlements, stopped blockading Gaza, gave them back what is theirs.......they would have somewhere to go?