Rohingya Boatpeople 'Helped On' at Sea off Thailand: More Likely to Flee
Source Phuketwan, 29 October. PHUKET: A boatload of about 100 Rohingya men and boys was intercepted off the coast of Thailand yesterday, a senior Thai Navy source confirmed today. A regular patrol came alongside the vessel about nine miles north of the Thai island of Surin about 5pm yesterday, Phuketwan was told. ''Those on board were given food and water and medical assistance,'' the source said, ''as human rights require.'' Thailand's ''help on'' policy was introduced to replace the ''pushbacks'' campaign, introduced in secrecy, which led to the deaths of hundreds of boatpeople in the sailing season of 2008-2009. Under the ''help on'' policy, the Thai Navy and onshore paramilitary volunteers intercept the Rohingya boats in open waters to provide passengers with food, water, medical assistance and mechanic help if required. But they will not allow the boats to land in Thailand. With the...