Hurry Up Population Count – Burmese Gush into Thailand – Solve Aliens Problem

Unofficial Translation by HRDF’s Migrant Justice Programme

Thai Rath News: Monday 5^th July 2010

 

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ordered for the hurry up of a population count and survey of aliens after it was been found that Burmese persons have gushed into Thailand even more than Cambodian persons. In addition, he is preparing to ask the National Security Council to carefully study all relevant information in order to solve this nationality security and humanity problem (Picture: Abhisit Vejjajiva)

 

At 12:50pm on 5^th July 2010 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva (the Thai Prime Minister) allowed an interview in relation to problems caused by aliens relating to the fact that there is currently 1.8. million aliens in Thailand, particular Cambodians. He said that Thailand is currently undertaking the 11^th population census and this will reveal the actual figure of aliens currently in Thailand. The census is conducted every 10 years and there have been significant changes since last 10 years ago. Hence there have been discussions with the National Statistics Office as it is clear that the number of aliens currently in Thailand is extremely high, particularly aliens from Thailand’s neighbouring countries. Even though they are workers and Thailand has allowed them to register in order to undertake nationality verification and receive other amnesties, there continues to be many omissions.

 

In relation to the National Security Council (NSC), Abhisit has requested a meeting to consider this issue carefully as a specific and pressing issue. In the future, Thailand must consider this issue from every perspective, not only in relation to nationality security, but also in relation to humanity. He said that the number of aliens in Thailand mostly consists of those from Burma. There is a need to consider carefully whether there is work for them to do, and to what extent this is keeping in line with our goals. Thailand must also work together with its neighbouring countries because there are pressing issues on a very large scale relating to trafficking, which Thailand is currently keeping an eye on. There are so many persons entering into Thailand illegally so all these issues have to be addressed with much caution.