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The Protests by Laotian Hmongs and
the Repatriation of 863 Laotian Hmongs on June 22, 2008
Protests by Laotian Hmongs
- From the moment the Laotian Hmongs entered the Kingdom until today, Thailand has
taken very good care of them. This is despite the fact that Thai law clearly
and definitely classifies the Laotian Hmongs as illegal immigrants
who must undergo the same treatment as other groups of illegal immigrants.
The Thai government has, instead, constructed a temporary shelter area for the Laotian
Hmongs at Bann Huay Nam Khao, Phetchboon Province, to consider further how to deal
with them in the most humane manner possible.
- Since then, the Thai Government has earnestly accorded the Laotian Hmongs the same
consideration it has done to other groups claiming to flee from conflict and persecution,
based on humanitarian tradition. The Government has established a screening
mechanism specifically for this group. Although, it is a domestic mechanism
like in many countries, we drew directly from our own experience with the Myanmar
caseload, which has direct UNHCR inputs and involvement. This process is still
ongoing.
- Although the Laotian Hmongs have been informed periodically of this process, a large
number on many occasions reacted in an aggressive and uncooperative manner.
On May 23, 2008, the Laotian Hmongs purposely instigated protests and burned their
own shelters to draw attention of the international community. The Thai officials
exercised utmost restraints during this and other occasions. They have been
praised by many eye witnesses. As a result, there have been no casualties
to date.
- The Thai side does not prohibit peaceful protests or expression of wishes of the
Laotian Hmongs, but we insist that such actions be carried out within Thai laws.
Those who violate the law by destroying public property and disturbing public at
large are liable to punishment under the law. The Thai officials have done
their best not to punish the Laotian Hmongs even in cases where the law has clearly
been violated.
- On June 20, 2008, a large number of Laotian Hmongs destroyed the fence of their
temporary shelter area and walked out in protest with an intention to travel to
the UNHCR office several hundred kilometers away in Bangkok. The Thai officials,
again, exercised utmost restraints and allowed the protesters to continue their
walk.
- After long hours of negotiation, most Laotian Hmong protesters realized that there
was no use to continue. The Thai side offered the protesters to (1) return
to the temporary shelter area without any punishment, (2) return to Laos and receive
money from the Thai Government to assist them with reintegration in Laos, (3) be
dealt with Thai immigration law. As a result, 863 Laotian Hmongs chose to
return to Laos. The rest chose to return to the temporary shelter area.
Repatriation of 863 Laotian Hmongs on June 22, 2008
- The return of the 863 Laotian Hmongs was facilitated by the Thai side. All
of returnees expressed clearly the wish to return to Laos on their own accord after
negotiations with the Thai officials proved that their demands could not be met.
The return was done in a dignified and humane manner and in accordance with the
Thai immigration law.
- The formal return ceremony was witnessed by Thai and Laotian media as well as both
countries’ officials. It would have been a very difficult undertaking, if
not impossible, to conduct a forced return of such a large number of people.
Next Step
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand is arranging for representatives from
7-8 embassies in Thailand who are interested in the Laotian Hmong issue to visit
the Laotian Hmongs in the Baan Huay Nam Khao temporary shelter area. This
is part of the efforts to enhance transparency and accurate understanding
of the situation of the Laotian Hmongs in Thailand and Thailand’s undertakings.
* * * * *
Royal Thai Embassy,
Washington, DC
June 27, 2008
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