3.
6.
7.
In my discussions with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister,
and the Minister and Deputy Minister of the Interior, I found full
understanding that durable solutions should be urgently sought.
It was agreed that the situation in the country did not concern
Thailand alone, but involved the international community as a whole.
I was urged to give special attention to the problem of the
"land cases", particularly by seeking to increase and widen the
avenues for third-country resettlement. In this connection, the
Royal Thai Government specifically proposed a liberalisation in the
criteria for selection, greater speed and regularity in movement, an
appropriate proportion of places for both land and boat cases, and
practical pooling arrangements whereby resettlement opportunities
could be co-ordinated in order to facilitate overall planning in the
region as a whole, and in Thailand in particular. I agreed to bring
these concerns to the attention of the international community and
to consider the practical possibilities of the proposals most carefully. lly.
Further, in accordance with the wishes of the Royal Thai
Covernment, I agreed to continue to explore the prospects for
voluntary repatriation to countries of origin.
8.
9.
In the course of the discussions, it was agreed to elaborate
a pilot project for a self-sufficiency programme to benefit the
displaced persons and the Thai rural people.
The cbjective will be
to contribute towards the development of economically depressed arcas.
The displaced persons, together with the local Thai population, could
provide a labour force that would work productively towards self-
sufficiency and the benefit of these areas. I view this as a most
important outcome. As soon as details are worked cut, in close
consultation with the Royal Thai Government, I shall seek the
. . . / . . .