Thai MP Rangsiman Rome calls for urgent reforms to manage the influx of refugees from Myanmar due to ongoing civil unrest following a military coup. He stresses the importance of registering these individuals to provide legal recognition, access to essential services, and economic contributions while addressing corruption and collaboration with international partners. The article details the challenges faced by refugees in Thailand, particularly around education and health services, and emphasizes a coordinated approach between Thai authorities and the international community to resolve these issues and promote stability in Myanmar.
In light of the increasing influx of refugees from Myanmar following the military coup, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a member of the Thai Parliament and chair of the National Security Committee, has articulated the urgent necessity for extensive reforms pertaining to the management of the refugee crisis. He highlights the plight of approximately six million Myanmar nationals residing in Thailand, emphasizing their lack of legal recognition and the resulting vulnerabilities to exploitation, particularly from corrupt officials. “The immediate step is to register the people,” Mr. Rome stated in an exclusive interview with VOA. By formalizing their status, the authorities could provide these individuals with access to education and employment opportunities, thereby allowing them to contribute economically through taxation. Mr. Rome elaborated on the critical challenges faced by Thailand in terms of migration and corruption. He criticized the government’s inadequate preparation for the refugee influx, which has resulted in refugees living in precarious conditions without legal rights. He remarked, “We can’t return them due to international and domestic laws,” indicating the necessity for humanitarian aid and a comprehensive long-term solution. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of the international community, including ASEAN, in advocating for peace and democracy in Myanmar to alleviate the root causes of this crisis. Addressing the need for registration, Mr. Rome noted that it would not only provide legal status to the refugees but would also offer protections against abuses they currently face due to their undocumented status. He outlined that collaboration with allies, such as Japan, the United States, and Australia, is essential for managing the ongoing humanitarian situation. As the chair of the National Security Committee, Mr. Rome is committed to ensuring that Thai policy responds effectively to the crisis, maintaining the nation’s reputation on an international scale. He also expressed concern regarding the severe gaps in access to healthcare and education for migrants, noting how current education policies hinder refugee children from integrating into the Thai educational framework. “Kids are innocent. They should have access to the Thai education system,” he asserted, advocating for structural changes that would allow for the inclusion of refugee children in mainstream education. Recognizing the socio-economic pressures stemming from the presence of a large refugee population, Mr. Rome pointed out that the struggle of the Thai economy, further exacerbated by corruption, contributes to tensions between locals and migrants. He argued that formal recognition of refugees could mitigate these issues by fostering economic participation and ensuring they are subject to the same legal frameworks as Thai citizens. In conclusion, Mr. Rome urges a collaborative approach between Thailand and Myanmar to improve the situation for refugees. He emphasizes that real change necessitates not only reforms within Thailand but also a focused effort to address the ongoing strife in Myanmar. He expressed solidarity with the Myanmar people, asserting, “I know the Myanmar people want peace and democracy, and I hope we can achieve that together.”
The article discusses the ongoing migration crisis that Thailand is experiencing due to the military coup in Myanmar, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of refugees seeking safety in Thailand. This situation places a strain on Thailand’s resources and raises concerns about human rights and the legal status of these refugees. The discussion is led by Mr. Rangsiman Rome, an influential Thai MP, who emphasizes the urgent need for legal reforms and international collaboration to manage the crisis effectively. Issues of corruption and access to basic services for migrants such as healthcare and education are also highlighted as critical areas for improvement.
In summation, Mr. Rangsiman Rome calls for immediate action to address the refugee crisis stemming from Myanmar’s military coup. By advocating for the registration and legal recognition of Myanmar refugees, he seeks to provide them with essential rights and protections while reducing corruption and fostering their integration into Thai society. Mr. Rome underscores that collaboration with global partners is crucial for not only ameliorating the current situation in Thailand but also for working towards long-term peace and stability in Myanmar, which ultimately benefits both nations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
