CONFIDENTIAL
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(6)
LEGAL PROTECTION
As indicated under Section (1) above UNHCR does not have access to certain categories of displaced persons. UNHCR have unfettered access to those camps which they administer.
(7)
PHYSICAL SECURITY OF REFUGEES
Security protection at Khao-I-Dang is provided by Thai Rangers, a para-military force which has little training and poor discipline. At the Lao camps security is provided by Ministry of Interior recruited guards (paid for by UNHCR) Incidents occur from time to time particularly at the Khao-I- Dang Holding Centre for Cambodian refugees. Representations have been made to the Thai authorities and this has resulted in some improvement. By mutual consent, ICRC tends to take the lead in making representations to the Thai authorities on this issue.
The most common incidents include banditry and occasional brutality by the Thai rangers at the Khao-I-Dang. The UNHCR camps (unlike the UNBRO Border camps) have not been subjected to external threats. Nor are there serious problems of factionalism in the camps.
(8)
NATURE OF REFUGEE CAMPS
The Thai camps themselves are not used for military or political purposes although the Lao camps almost certainly house a minority of persons who have connections with the Lao resistance.
BRITISH EMBASSY BANGKOK
4 September 1986
CONFIDENTIAL
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