Thai MP Rangsiman Rome emphasizes the urgent need for reform to address the influx of refugees from Myanmar, focusing on the registration of refugees to provide them with legal status and access to education and work. He critiques the government’s current handling of the crisis and advocates for coordinated action and international collaboration to improve the situation for Myanmar migrants.
In light of the increasing influx of refugees from Myanmar to Thailand following the military coup, Member of Parliament Rangsiman Rome, who chairs the Thai House Committee on National Security, has emphasized the urgent need for governmental reform to address this migration crisis and combat corruption. Rome asserts that a critical first step is to legally register the refugees, thereby providing them with access to vital services such as education and employment, as well as placing them in a position to contribute to the economy by paying taxes. In an insightful interview with Voice of America (VOA), Rome highlighted the challenges posed by the civil war in Myanmar, which has forced many individuals to seek refuge in Thailand. He criticized the Thai government’s inadequate preparation for this humanitarian crisis, resulting in many refugees living in precarious conditions without legal status. Despite the government’s efforts to collaborate with non-governmental organizations to furnish humanitarian aid, Rome contends that a sustainable and long-term solution must be implemented, stressing that Thailand cannot return these individuals due to both international laws and domestic policies. The Member of Parliament acknowledged the geographical challenges posed by Thailand’s lengthy border with Myanmar, which is rife with illegal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling. To mitigate these issues, he advocated for increased pressure from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Myanmar’s ruling junta to promote peace and democracy in the country. Rome further suggested that it is imperative for the Thai government to register the approximately 6 million Myanmar nationals currently residing in Thailand and to clarify its policies regarding their legal status. Rome voiced concern about the rampant corruption affecting refugee populations, noting that many must bribe officials to gain the right to work. He reiterated that legal recognition would afford refugees not only the ability to contribute to society but also to seek protection under Thai law, which is presently challenging due to their unrecognized status. He called for a unified international response to the humanitarian crisis, with stronger efforts to encourage the junta to cease hostilities in Myanmar and allow displaced individuals to return home. Furthermore, Rome pointed out the disjointed approach of various ministries in managing the refugee crisis and asserted the importance of inter-agency coordination. As chairperson, he aims to ensure that recommendations from the National Security Committee align with best practices for handling the refugee situation, thereby preserving Thailand’s reputation as a host nation. Last, he addressed issues surrounding access to education for refugee children. Rome criticized the inconsistencies in the government’s educational policies that hinder migrant children from traditional schooling opportunities and called for changes that would allow these children to enroll in the Thai education system. He noted that integrating refugee children into schools was beneficial for both their futures and Thailand’s economy given the country’s demographic challenges. In conclusion, Rangsiman Rome has made a significant appeal for reform regarding the status and treatment of Myanmar refugees in Thailand, urging for acknowledgment of their rights and the necessity of a clearer, more effective governmental response to manage the immigration crisis.
The current refugee crisis in Thailand has arisen due to the escalating violence and instability in Myanmar following a military coup. More than six million individuals from Myanmar have sought refuge in Thailand, prompting a mix of humanitarian, legal, and economic concerns within the Thai government. The refugee population often lives in precarious conditions due to their lack of legal recognition, exposing them to exploitation, corruption, and limited access to vital services like healthcare and education. The situation poses both a domestic challenge for Thailand as it seeks to maintain social order and an international obligation to protect human rights. Thus, coordinated government action and international cooperation are deemed essential for addressing both the refugee crisis and the underlying issues in Myanmar.
In summary, MP Rangsiman Rome has underscored the need for Thailand to reform its approach to handling the rising refugee crisis from Myanmar, advocating for the registration and legal recognition of refugees as a primary step toward mitigating corruption and enhancing social integration. By establishing clear policies and fostering international collaboration, Thailand can better manage the humanitarian challenges it faces while contributing positively to the refugee population and bolstering its overall economy.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
