BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s military government said on Monday it would send home 100,000 refu- gees who have been living in camps for two decades and more along the border with Myanmar, a move rights groups say would create chaos at a tense time for both na- tions.
Thailand’s military overthrew the remnants of an elected government in May after months of sometimes violent street protests. Its National Council for Peace and Order has rolled out a raft of tough measures it says are needed to restore or- der and has promised a return to democracy next year. Its nominally civilian government has talked about repatri- ating the refugees, but non-governmental organisations say they are concerned by a lack of infrastructure to help return- ees rebuild their lives.
“We are not at the stage where we will deport people because we must first verify the nationality of those in the camps,” army deputy spokesman Veerachon Sukhontapatipak told Reuters.
“Once that is done we will find ways to send them back. There are around 100,000 people who have been living in the camps for many years without freedom. Thailand and Myanmar will help facilitate their smooth return.”
