TNAG-1972-FCO40-2805-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 108

The Situation of Laotian Refugees in Thailand

While present attention is focused primarily on the exodus

of persons from Vietnam, the agenda of issues for consideration

by the International Conference includes discussion of the

situation of Laotian asylum seekers in Thailand. The recent

trend in improved relations between Thailand and Laos is expected

to produce substantial progress in resolving the plight of some

80,000 Laotians, many of whom are among the region's longest

staying refugees. During Thai prime minister Chatchai

Choonhavan's ground-breaking visit to Laos in December 1988, the

two countries issued a joint statement which included an

affirmation of commitment to work closely in addressing this

issue.

Measures being proposed by the international conference

negotiators include:

*

*

an improvement in Thailand's refugee determination

"screening" program for Laotians, in effect since 1985;

assurance of safe arrival, and full access for all

Laotian asylum seekers to the screening program;

a simplification of existing arrangements and

procedures concerning the voluntary repatriation of

refugees and deportation of non-refugee entrants;

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