Thailand’s Foreign Minister says subsequent month’s ASEAN summit in Brunei will focus on the continuing crisis in Myanmar and the plight of the country’s Karen individuals. Don Pramudwinai says the Thai government is monitoring the situation intently, amid stories that hundreds of Karen folks have fled into Thailand to escape the violence of the Burmese army junta.
“I can not reveal the details to be discussed on the summit but can say that we purpose to convey peace to Myanmar and the ASEAN group as soon as potential, which is the ultimate goal of the summit.”
On February 1, the Burmese military seized energy in a cold coup, ousting the democratically-elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Controversial have defended their actions by claiming that November’s election, which Suu Kyi received by a landslide, was fraudulent. Since then, the state of affairs has turn out to be extra lethal, with the army cracking down on pro-democracy protesters and resistance fighters.
Last weekend, the junta launched air strikes on a village in Karen state, with 1000’s of ethnic Karen fleeing into Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province in the aftermath. There have been conflicting reviews since, with the Thai authorities accused of forcing refugees to return to Myanmar, an allegation the federal government denies.
The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha insists Thailand is not forcing Burmese refugees to return to their nation, insisting either side must work collectively to discover a resolution.
“Nobody is pointing guns to keep them overseas. This is a humanitarian problem and each side need to discover a resolution together.”
Foreign Minister Don adds that whereas Thailand is keen to accept the refugees on a temporary foundation, they will be returned once issues get again to regular.
“When the situation returns to normal these refugees will be sent again, which is normal follow by any nation that accepts refugees. I actually have talked with the authorities in Myanmar about the refugee drawback and urged them to reduce the violence in order that the scenario can return to regular as quickly as potential. The Myanmar authorities acknowledged our request but said they might adjust their actions based mostly on the state of affairs.”