Thai MP Rangsiman Rome Advocates for Reforms to Address Myanmar Refugee Crisis

Thai MP Rangsiman Rome argues for urgent legal reforms to address the growing refugee crisis from Myanmar following the military coup. He emphasizes the need to register approximately 6 million Myanmar refugees to provide legal recognition, access to education, and work opportunities. Through international cooperation and proactive policies, Rome envisions a comprehensive approach to stabilize both the refugee situation in Thailand and the underlying crises in Myanmar.

In light of the escalating refugee crisis originating from Myanmar, particularly following the military coup that has displaced many citizens, Member of Parliament Rangsiman Rome has emphasized the pressing need for substantial reforms in Thailand’s approach to this situation. As Chairman of the Thai House Committee on National Security and the deputy leader of the People’s Party, MP Rome asserted the necessity of legal recognition for refugees in a recent exclusive interview with Voice of America (VOA). He stated, “The immediate step is to register the people,” underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by refugees due to corruption and their current lack of legal status. This recognition would not only permit refugees access to healthcare and education but also enable them to contribute economically through taxation. Rome articulated the stark realities that many Myanmar refugees confront as they navigate life in Thailand without legal protections, highlighting that a long-term strategy is essential. He noted, “Unfortunately, Thailand wasn’t prepared, and refugees now live in the shadows without legal status.” The Thai government has partnered with NGOs for humanitarian efforts; however, Rome called for a more coordinated governmental response to manage the growing refugee population effectively. With a shared 2,400-kilometer border with Myanmar, the instability in the neighboring nation exacerbates illegal activities such as human trafficking and drug smuggling, posing threats that extend beyond both countries. Rome advocates for ASEAN to take a more active role in encouraging the Myanmar military junta to promote peace and democracy within its borders. The Member of Parliament outlined practical steps to address these challenges, such as the urgent registration of the approximately 6 million Myanmar citizens currently residing in Thailand. He lamented the existing climate of corruption, where refugees are compelled to pay bribes to work legally, as he stated, “A lot of refugees have to pay the money to the police or other authorities in order to work.” Rome underscored the necessity of safeguarding human rights through appropriate legislative measures and reinforced the importance of international cooperation in resolving the underlying issues in Myanmar. He remarked, “If everyone in the international community would come together to pressure the SAC to stop this, maybe a million refugees could return to their homes again.” In addressing the fractured workings of Thai ministries, Rome expressed his intent to facilitate better coordination among government departments to ensure that Thailand maintains its international reputation, particularly regarding human rights issues. He reaffirmed the need to address the administrative failures that hinder refugee access to education and healthcare. Interestingly, he pointed out existing disparities in the Thai educational system, criticizing instances where access to education for refugee children is limited based on language restrictions. He advocates for the integration of Myanmar refugees into the Thai educational framework, positing that their education would benefit both the refugees and Thailand as a whole: “If I controlled the government, absolutely we would open the education system for Myanmar people to study in Thailand.” The conversation also highlighted socio-political tensions stemming from Thailand’s economic struggles amid the influx of refugees, which has led to public protests against the large migrant population. MP Rome suggests that a systematic registration of refugees would mitigate corruption and bolster equitable treatment under Thai law. He argues, “Registering the refugees would reduce corruption and ensure equal treatment under the law.” In conclusion, MP Rome voiced his commitment to upholding the rights of Myanmar citizens seeking refuge in Thailand while recognizing the complex interdependencies between the two nations. He expressed hope for collaborative efforts towards achieving stability and peace, both for the Myanmar people and for Thailand, stating, “I know the Myanmar people want peace and democracy, and I hope we can achieve that together.”

The migration crisis involving refugees from Myanmar stems from the ongoing conflicts and violence following a military coup in Myanmar, which has resulted in mass displacements. Many are fleeing to Thailand seeking safety and economic opportunities; however, their lack of legal status often leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, including corruption and human trafficking. The issue presents a dual challenge for Thailand, as the influx of refugees strains resources while necessitating robust governmental policies to manage humanitarian needs. MP Rangsiman Rome has become a prominent voice advocating for legislative reforms to facilitate the legal recognition of refugees, emphasizing the need for coordination among various Thai ministries to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term stability in the region. His engagement in international dialogues showcases the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the root causes of the crisis and improving conditions for migrants.

In summary, MP Rangsiman Rome has put forth crucial recommendations for addressing the refugee crisis from Myanmar, advocating for immediate steps to legally register and protect the rights of refugees in Thailand. He argues that these reforms are essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for enhancing economic contributions and alleviating social tensions associated with the refugee population. Rome’s emphasis on international collaboration, especially in pressuring the Myanmar junta for democratic reforms, reinforces the need for a multifaceted approach to resolving the challenges presented by the current situation. His vision for an inclusive and equitable treatment of refugees highlights both the humanitarian imperative and the potential for enhanced bilateral relations between Thailand and Myanmar.

Original Source: www.voanews.com