Thailand Allows Shan Temporary Refuge

Thailand will allow Shan people displaced by the fighting in Burma temporary refuge, said a Shan State Army (South) spokeswoman today.

Shan refugees

The spokeswoman, Nam Khur Hsen, said the Thai government agreed to the SSA-S’s request to allow Shan people refuge in Thailand, but the situation will not be permanent. In the past, Thailand has refused to shelter Shan people as refugees.

According to Friday’s issue of the Bangkok Post, Thai army chief Gen Pravit Wongsuwan said Shan refugees will be sent back to Burma “when the situation returns to normal.” SSA-S soldiers fleeing across the border would be disarmed, he said.

Nam Khur Hsen said the SSA-S fears that, as the fighting escalates, civilians will not have safe places to stay inside Burma. United State Wa Army soldiers have burned civilian villages in the conflict areas, and some villagers, including students and orphans, have fled to SSA-S-controlled areas and other places for safety, she said.

According to an official from the Mae Hong Son-based Shan Youth Network Group, more than 1,800 people have been displaced within the conflict areas. SYNG has been working to distribute rice to them.