Royal Thai Government: Government News on 19 May 2015, Deputy Government Spokesperson, Maj.Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd revealed that Thai authorities came across a vessel compromising of 300 migrants drifting in Thai territorial waters along the Thai- Malaysian coast, near Satun Province.
Deputy Government Spokesperson, Maj.Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd revealed that Thai authorities came across a vessel compromising of 300 migrants drifting in Thai territorial waters along the Thai- Malaysian coast, near Satun Province. Upon being notified, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha subsequently instructed the Royal Thai Navy’s Fleet 3 Command along the Andaman coast to inspect the situation regarding said vessel and inform the vessel that Thailand was ready to provide humanitarian assistance if so needed, as the vessel was in Thai territorial waters. However the refugees on board informed the Thai side that they wished to travel to a third country instead and requested assistance from Thailand in repairing their vessel, along with food and drinking water. The Prime Minister issued the policy that Thailand would welcome the refugees on board said vessel to land on the Thai coast, and that Thailand would be happy to provide humanitarian assistance, although the refugees on said vessel would need to be handled according to Thai law as illegal migrants.
“When the Royal Thai Navy ship of Fleet 3 Command inspected the drifting vessel and asked the passengers on board what was their intention, they informed the Royal Thai Navy that they did not wish to land on the Thai coast but preferred to travel to another third country and asked for help in repairing their vessel along with food and water supplies. The Royal Thai Navy is currently trying to meet their requests by providing food and water, as well as assistance in repairing said vessel."
It is expected that repairs to the engine of said vessel will be completed by this evening so that they can continue safely on their journey.
