Thailand Must Promote Human Security in Burma and ASEAN

By Burma Partnership • October 11, 2010

Today, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva embarked on his first official trip to Burma. He is expected to be briefed on the SPDC’s plans after the elections and discuss the situation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other prisoners and ethnic minority groups, while economic interests also appear to be a main focus of the meetings.

Abhisit’s visit is timely in light of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya’s comment last week regarding a plan to repatriate refugees and intellectuals back to Burma after the elections. The statement raised serious concerns for the safety of those who could be repatriated, many of whom could be met with fines, arbitrary arrests, and even torture for leaving the country. Those who have been involved in political activities could face particularly harsh repercussions. Watch a report from DVB TV here.

On 6 October, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Viman Kidchob clarified that there had been a misunderstanding and that Thailand had no such plan. “Rather, what the Minister referred to is Thailand’s intention to launch a comprehensive programme to help better prepare Myanmar people now residing in Thailand, including Myanmar displaced persons in terms of training, education and capacity building. The objective is to ensure that these people can return home with dignity, be self-reliant, and participate and contribute meaningfully to their country’s development when the situation in their country becomes conducive for their eventual return, whenever that may be.” Read the full statement here.

While it is some relief that there is no current plan to repatriate refugees, the Thai government must take concrete steps to ensure the safety of those who have fled from Burma due to political repression, armed conflict and economic mismanagement. Sending refugees back into areas of instability and armed conflict would only serve to exasperate the humanitarian conditions on both sides of the Thai-Burma border.

Abhisit’s visit is a significant opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate its commitment to the people of Burma’s wellbeing, as well as the principles of democracy and human rights. As a leading member of ASEAN, Thailand must place equal emphasis on ASEAN’s social-cultural and political-security pillars as they do on the economic pillar. Abhisit should not squander this opportunity to increase pressure on the SPDC to deal with all security issues, including curbing drug trade, ending armed hostilities in ethnic areas, and attacks on civilians. Without concrete measures, these issues will continue to affect not only the people of Burma, but also extend to Thailand and the entire ASEAN region.

Tags: Burma Partnership, Refugee Repatriation, Refugees, Thailand

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Thailand Must Promote Human Security in Burma and ASEAN

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