TNAG-1275-FCO40-1625-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 207

British Embassy Bangkok

CM J Segar Esq

SEAD

FCO

Dear blin's

KHMER REFUGEES : KHAO-I-DANG

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Your reference

243/10

Our reference

Date

7 January 1983

HKK 243/2

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 14 JAN 1983

DESK OFFICER INDEX

PA

{(Action p

No

2517 GB

1. Our telegram number 515 of 18 September 1982 reported Squadron Leader NT Prasong's warning that those refugees who have been in Panat Nikom for longer than six months would be "sent out to the border" unless resettlement is speeded up.

2. Over the Christmas period 800 refugees were transferred from Panat Nikom to Khao-I-Dang at short notice having failed to obtain resettlement. Press reports that this was a first step towards sending these people to the border encampments have been strenuously denied by the authorities and UNHCR. The latter has made it quite clear that it would not be a party to forced relocation but say that if any of those now in Khao-I-Dang chose to return to the border, they would be given every assistance. Voluntary "repatriation" in fairly large numbers would obviously be welcomed by the Thais and to this end they have allowed Khmers from the border encampments to recruit "volunteers" from newcomers while they stand in groups close to the entrance awaiting the allocation of housing etc.

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It

3. The official population of Khao-I-Dang is now approximately 58,000 following the influx of people from Sa Kaew which closed in mid-December. is expected to rise to about 65,000 when Kamput closes on 28 January. This figure takes into account approximately 10,000 who are being included in the official figure for the first time their existence having finally been recognised by the Thai authorities. Identity papers will shortly be issued to the habitants with warnings that should anyone be found without papers he or

she will be transferred immediately to the border. In addition, the number of Task Force 80 personnel, who are responsible for the security of the camp, has been increased; internal and perimeter patrols have been stepped up and all guards have been instructed to shoot on sight at anyone attempting to get into Khao-I-Dang.

i) ec 74 Heave HKGD.

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is even over limbedecim

This shows has sensitive repatriation is

-Thailand.

كش

in) Ente ans par Ampiste

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excer

Yours

Adrian

A C Stephens