- 3 -
Local settlement
11.
The Government of Thailand has consistently maintained that dis- placed persons are in Thailand on a temporary basis. Nevertheless, the former administration, strongly encouraged by UNHCR, had begun a policy whereby facilities were extended to people in camps to earn part of their living by cultivating vegetables, raising domestic livestock or engaging in small-scale cottage industries. Subject to availability of funds, substantial additional investment in this process of self-sufficiency con- times to be foreseen. It is not visualized, however, that the displaced persons could cultivate rice at their present location, as suitable sites are either occupied by, or reserved for, the Thai population. Therefore, e minimum of care and maintenance, particularly the provision of rice, would have to be extended to the camp population throughout 1977.
12.
The former administration had also contemplated a long-term policy for the local settlement of those who remained without prospect of resettlement or repatriation at the start of the last quarter of 1977. The new Government has not yet pronounced itself on this policy. Any change could have an effect on the financial requirements of UNHCR. will naturally continue to promote any satisfactory and durable solution.
UNHCR