British Embassy
Bangkok
Dr M D Reilly
SEAD
FCO
RESTRICTED Mr Hong Son INF HEID
in Mr that, & Mop wyett
Mustahin W75
beharti X
CHA
ра
1257
HKD 243/$11
/s
Your reference
Our reference
Date 19 April 1988
Dea Mike
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
1. I discussed this problem with Kobsak Chutikul, Director of the Social Division at the Thai MFA on 14 April.
2. He said that the Thai policy of deterring new arrivals in the Gulf of Thailand had been very successful. This was largely due to the crack-down on the smuggling of refugees. 44 people had been arrested. As a result the smuggling network had virtually been broken. This was particularly satisfactory as the smugglers mostly used small boats which could not easily be diverted elsewhere for safety reasons. The refugees were now setting out in larger boats, which were relatively easy to intercept. The boats were resupplied with fuel and provisions and sent on their way. Most headed Xfor Malaysia but there were reports that some boats had not been able to land in Malaysia and had had to travel further south, presumably to Indonesia, as Singapore would never accept them.
3. Those refugees who did make land in Thailand were being transferred to the Vietnamese platform in Site 2. Some 400-500 had already gone. A new site was being prepared for them to the south of Site 2. A MOU has been signed with UNHCR under which UNBRO will be responsible for food distribution to ensure equality of treatment with the other inhabitants of Site 2. UNHCR will compensate UNBRO and also monitor the welfare of the refugees who will not be eligible for resettlement.
cc: N French, Esq, HONG KONG
D Wyatt
RESTRICTED
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