Muslim Insurgents Admit War Crime of Attacking Civilians

(New York, May 15, 2013) – Separatist insurgents in Thailand's southern border provinces are committing war crimes by targeting children and other civilians, Human Rights Watch said today. The Thai government should address the cycle of deadly reprisals by investigating and prosecuting state security personnel implicated in abuses against ethnic Malay Muslims.

Migration from Burma to Thailand is increasing, with new arrivals often taking up dangerous and difficult jobs. These working conditions have a direct impact on young migrant children, whose early childhoods are among the most disadvantaged in Thailand. Research by VSO has found that education remains key to integrating these children in society and improving their access to healthcare and other services

Reject Proposed Amnesty, Prosecute Abuses by All Sides

(New York, May 7, 2013) – The Thai government should revoke a decision to shield military personnel from criminal prosecution for the 2010 political bloodshed, Human Rights Watch said today. A general amnesty proposed by the ruling party that would include those responsible for serious human rights abuses should be rejected.

On Friday 22nd March a massive fire broke out in the Ban Mae Surin refugee Temporary Shelter located in Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province. The incident left 37 dead and others seriously injured, and completely ravaged two sections of the camp destroying the homes and limited possessions of 2,300 refugees (more than half of the entire population). This situation report presents the joint humanitarian response, up‐dates on the priority requirements, and indicates the agreed actions.

GeneralUpdate on Situation:

In November 2010, Burma transitioned from five decades of authoritarian rule to a semi-civilian government with the election of President Thein Sein and a new parliament.

1. Thailand - On 22 March, a fire sparked by a domestic accident broke out in Ban Mae Surin refugee camp in Mae Hong Son province, northwestern Thailand. 30 refugees from Myanmar were killed and four were seriously injured. Relief efforts are being coordinated by the Government of Thailand, as well as provincial and camp authorities. UNHCR, IRC and other NGOs are providing assistance.
   Source: OCHA

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Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Rupert Colville
Location: Geneva
Date: 15 March 2013

2) Thailand/Rohingyas

We are very concerned by allegations that in north of Phuket the Thai Navy shot dead at least two Rohingya asylum seekers, fleeing Myanmar by boat. The shooting allegedly took place on 22 February while the Navy was transferring around 130 people from the boat they had arrived in into smaller boats.

Investigate Deadly Shooting at ‘Boat People’ During ‘Push Back’

MARCH 13, 2013

(New York) – Sailors from Thailand’s navy shot at ethnic Rohingya “boat people,” causing at least two deaths, Human Rights Watch said today. The Thai government should immediately investigate the incident, and direct the navy to abide by international standards on the use of force.

PM By Southeast Asia correspondent Zoe Daniel
Updated Mon Mar 11, 2013 11:45pm AEDT

There are mounting allegations the Thai military is trading Rohingya refugees from Western Burma to human traffickers.

Last week PM broadcast allegations that Thai military officers shot and killed Rohingya off the Thai coast but there is also continued accusations that Thai officials are involved in selling Rohingya to brokers, who then sell them on as bonded labourers.