Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Thai army begins forced repatriation of Hmong
|
Edition:
U.S.
Article
Comments (0)
Slideshow
Save
Email
Print
Reprints
Most Popular
Most Shared
"Dead" man wakes up under autopsy knife
17 Sep 2007
Japan teens skipping breakfast have sex younger
26 Dec 2008
Older white women join Kenya's sex tourists
26 Nov 2007
Venice flooded by highest water levels in 22 years
01 Dec 2008
Charlie Sheen tops list of high-paid TV stars
04 Aug 2008
Oklahoma firm recalling beef products in six states
26 Dec 2009
Five die in Tehran pro-reform protests
| Video
27 Dec 2009
Older white women join Kenya's sex tourists
26 Nov 2007
"Dead" man wakes up under autopsy knife
17 Sep 2007
White House condemns "unjust" actions in Iran
27 Dec 2009
Thai army begins forced repatriation of Hmong
Sukree Sukplang and Prapan Chankaew
HUAY NAM KHAO, Thailand
Sun Dec 27, 2009 11:18pm EST
Related News
Thailand says Hmong repatriation imminent
Sun, Dec 27 2009
<
1 / 3
>
View Full Size
HUAY NAM KHAO, Thailand (Reuters) - The Thai army began the forced repatriation of thousands of ethnic Hmong asylum-seekers to Laos on Monday, defying international concerns that some would be persecuted back home.
World
About 5,000 troops armed with batons and shields were dispatched to a mountain camp in Huay Nam Khao, 300 km (186 miles) north of Bangkok in a pre-dawn operation to clear the 4,400 Hmong, who say they face oppression by Laos' communist government if sent back.
Known as America's "forgotten allies," the Hmong sided with the United States during the Vietnam War and many fled Laos in 1975 when the communist Pathet Lao took power. Tens of thousands have since been resettled in the U.S.
The United States and United Nations have expressed concern about the forced repatriation and the fate awaiting the Hmong once they return to Laos.
The United States on Sunday called on Thailand to halt the operation. "We deeply regret this serious violation of the international humanitarian principles that Thailand has long been known for championing," the U.S. State Department said.
In a statement issued on Sunday, state department spokesman Ian Kelly also urged Laos "to treat humanely any Hmong who are involuntarily returned, to provide access for international monitors, and facilitate resettlement opportunities for any eligible returnee."
"We will remain engaged in this important humanitarian issue," the statement added.
Thailand regards the Hmong in Huay Nam Khao as economic migrants with no claim to refugee status.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has insisted the deportation would be done humanely. He said the Lao government had assured him the Hmong would be well looked after and the U.N refugee agency UNHCR would be allowed to visit them.
Colonel Thana Charuvat, who is in charge of the repatriation, said troops would try to finish the operation in a day "to prevent any attempted resistance."
"We will try to persuade them. If there is resistance, we will use soft means with self-defense, but we will warn them first," he told Reuters.
ACCESS DENIED
New York-based Human Rights Watch said it was worried the repatriation could turn violent.
"There is always resistance, even in small-scale operations. If they resist a major operation like this, the army may react with full force," said Sunai Pasuk, the group's Thailand representative.
Sunai said mobile phone signals had been jammed in the camp to prevent leaders from calling out for help. Reporters were denied access and were kept 12 km (7.5 miles) away.
The Hmong were being taken to an immigration center in Nong Khai bordering Laos before being handed over to Lao authorities, Thana said.
More than 400 were seen boarding some of the 100 trucks sent to the camp in northern Phetchabun province.
Rights groups and UNHCR say some of the Hmong could qualify for refugee status and should not be sent back. Thailand has denied repeated UNHCR requests to visit the camp and determine their status.
The UNHCR said last week Thailand had "the responsibility and international obligation" to ensure those in need of protection back home were repatriated "only on a voluntary basis."
Reporters have been denied access to the camps for the past two years, and in May, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the main group providing aid to the Hmong, withdrew after criticizing how the Hmong were being treated.
Thana said the media had been kept away to prevent the Hmong from carrying out publicity stunts to "draw public attention to their status with self-inflicted physical abuse."
Thailand fears that by facilitating their resettlement in a third country, it could encourages more illegal migrants.
Lionel Rosenblatt, president emeritus of Refugees International, said the deportation could hurt Thailand's reputation.
The country has been a key transit point for as many as 1.5 million refugees from conflicts in Myanmar and Indochina.
(Additional Reporting and Writing by Ambika Ahuja; Editing by Martin Petty and Bill Tarrant)
World
Add a Comment
More from Reuters
New security restrictions could hurt airlines
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tighter security measures at U.S. airports following an attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound jet could dampen enthusiasm for air travel, hurting the airline industry just as it seemed poised to recover from a period of bruising losses, some industry experts say.
U.S. boosts airline precautions amid recriminations
| Video
Asian shares up on economy outlook, dollar hovers
| Video
U.S. retail holiday sales up 3.6 percent: report
Attempted bombing spotlights al Qaeda growth in Yemen
UBS whistleblower seeks prison postponement
» More Top News
The battle in mid-air
The attraction of bombing airliners means the aviation industry has to be constantly vigilant in its fight against attackers. Full Article
No sign jet incident part of bigger plot
Plane attacker lived outside Nigeria
U.S. probes al Qaeda involvement
U.S.
Political Risk in 2010:
Don't say we didn't warn you
With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead. Full Article
Tougher investment choices ahead
Will investors embrace "risk" trades?
Global Markets
© Copyright 2009 Thomson Reuters
Editorial Editions:
Africa
Arabic
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Latin America
Mexico
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
Reuters
Contact Us
Advertise With Us
Help
Journalism Handbook
Archive
Site Index
Video Index
Analyst Research
Mobile
Newsletters
RSS
Podcasts
Widgets
Your View
Labs
Thomson Reuters
Copyright
Disclaimer
Privacy
Professional Products
Professional Products Support
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Careers
Online Products
Acquisitions Monthly
Buyouts.com
Buyouts Europe:
Buyouts Conferences:
Venture Capital Journal
ECVJ
International Financing Review
International Securitisation Report
Project Finance International
PEhub.com
PE Week
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Monday, 28 December 2009 Mousavi nephew among several killed in Iran clashes: reports
Hugh Grant says he dreams of literary career
Families of Americans held in Iran hire Iranian lawyer
|
Families of Americans held in Iran hire Iranian lawyer
Polanski 'overwhelmed' by messages of support
Mousavi nephew, others die in Iran protests
At least 5 killed in Iran protests
Hamas officials in Egypt to discuss prisoner exchange
|
Iraq army says nine bombs defused as Shiite rituals climax
US troop deaths in Afghanistan double 2008 toll
Increased security during Pope visit to Rome soup kitchen
|
Hamas officials in Egypt to discuss prisoner exchange
'Unclear' if Israel can reach swap deal with Hamas: PM
Obama orders review of US no-fly lists
Japan PM in India for economic, security talks
Suicide attack kills 5 at Pakistan Shiite mosque
Thailand readies for Hmong deportation: activists
Seniors worry about Medicare Advantage cuts
Airliner-attack investigation moving on 2 fronts
Second Philippine ferry tragedy kills 6, 20 missing
Napolitano: No indication of larger terror plot
Blast outside Shi'ite prayer hall kills 2 in Pakistan
Homeland security head: The security system worked
Watchdog: Thais' Hmong expulsion could be violent
Thousands mourn Pakistan's Bhutto, two years on
Condemned British man's family flies to China
China PM blasts trade protectionism, pressure on yuan
South Korea wins landmark Gulf nuclear power deal
S.Korea wins $40-bln UAE nuclear power deal
Avatar leads box office for second weekend
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Avatar" leads box office for second weekend
Perry to take 'Madea' play on the road in 2010
Thai army begins forced repatriation of Hmong
|
Avalanches kill seven in Italian Alps: emergency services
War on Al-Qaeda inflames Afghanistan, Pakistan
Iran pro-reform cleric condemns deaths on holy day
|
China targets political foes after dissident trial
|
Japan's finance minister in hospital for tests
|
Divisions await Egypt's new Muslim Brotherhood head
Attempted bombing spotlights al Qaeda growth in Yemen
|
China says ship crew rescued from Somali pirates
|
Israel: 16,200 Jewish immigrants arrived in 2009
Yemen says Houthi rebel leader may be dead
|
Hamas praises Gaza's 'steadfastness' on war anniversary
Hamas marks 1 year after war, but many stay home
Opposition leader tops Croat presidential vote
|
Makeshift bomb damages insurance building in Athens
|
Dark days at the center of Europe
|
China finds likely tomb of 3rd century general
Carter finds happiness in foreign missions
Vietnamese court convicts dissident of subversion
Afghan police: 2 police killed in west Afghanistan
Jimmy and Rosalynn: A love story endures
S.Korea to give 22 million dollars of aid to North
Man, 2 girls shot at SF waterfront restaurant
Vietnamese court sentences democracy activist to 5.5 years for subversion
US steps up anti-terror campaign in Yemen: report
Mine explosions kill 12 in China, 11 more trapped
Injured boat crew member leaves NJ hospital
Dissident goes on trial, could face death penalty
12 dead in China mine blasts: state media
Holiday travelers greeted by delays, tight security
N.Korea built plant for uranium enrichment: report
Thai army begins forced repatriation of Hmong
Security reviews under way after airliner attack
TSA: 2 passengers detained after flight to Phoenix
Sounds of firecrackers mark failure of terror plot
Seoul shares edge up; KEPCO jumps, exporters down
China author set to sue Google over web book scan
China likely to become top global exporter in 2009
Taiwan notebook maker Inventec plans China plant
Seoul shares inch up; KEPCO, Hyundai E&C rally
UAE deal, outlook boost South Korea nuclear power stocks
S.Korea bonds fall amid thin trade, weak interest
Seoul shares rise; KEPCO, Hyundai E&C jump
S.Korea consumer sentiment holds steady in Dec
"Avatar" rules as US moviegoers set record
Taiwan's Ma fights for traditional Chinese characters
Update: Unruly Passenger Pulled From Similar Amsterdam-Detroit Flight
Korean-American Activist Crosses Into North Korea
Salvation Army Major Killed On Christmas Eve
Update: New Details Emerge About Attempted Northwest Airlines Plane Bomber
Abducted Maryland Girl Found Dead, Sex Offender Arrested As Suspect
Video Shows Captured American Soldier In Afghanistan Denouncing U.S. Military
Update: Botched U.S. Airline "Bombing" Sparks International Probe
Bomb at Shi'ite procession in Pakistan kills 25
|
Yemen arrests 29 al Qaeda suspects after raids
|
Israel announces new Jewish homes in Jerusalem area
Ten Afghan civilians reported killed in airstrike
|
Israel announces new Jewish homes in Jerusalem area
|
Al Qaeda says kidnapped Italians in Africa: report
|
China urges Hong Kong to heed democracy challenge
|
Iraqi legal system puts new emphasis on forensics
|
Russia warns EU of oil cuts over Ukraine row
|
Amazon shares up after Kindle boosts e-book sales
|
Alfa Romeo wins Sydney to Hobart yacht race
Diplomat: Myanmar releases 4 Taiwanese fishermen
Swiss watchdog to examine Orange/Sunrise deal
|
The nation's weather
Is Rachel Yould a victim or schemer?
Gunmen ambush Philippine politicians' convoy
Man detained after causing disturbance on flight
Family visit Briton on eve of planned China execution
House Democrats pessimistic about public option
Pakistan suicide bombing death toll rises to 8
Families of 3 Americans held in Iran hire lawyer
125 pilot whales die on NZ beaches, 43 saved
China targets political foes after dissident trial
Relatives visit Briton on death row in China
Doctors' strike shuts down medical care in Nepal
Chinese shares close up 1.51%
'2012' sets box office record in China
Putin launches new Russia oil route to Asia
Taiwan notebook maker to build $800M China plant
Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ to issue China yuan bonds
Ailing JAL faces bankruptcy option: report
Japan's finance minister hospitalised: ministry
S.Korea eyes nuclear contract with Turkey
Polanski thanks backers as extradition wait goes on
|
Little room for daytime cable fights
Polanski thanks backers as extradition wait goes on
Celebrating New Year with the latest art of champagne
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights