Rohingya on hunger strike

Bangkok Post

January 25, 2013

Rohingya refugees in Prachuap Khiri Khan province have gone on a hunger strike in demand of an improvement in the meals provided by Thai authorities. 

About 120 Rohingha men have been transferred from Phang Nga province to a detention facility run by immigration police in tambon Khlong Wan, Muang district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, awaiting their deportation. 

Disease control officials also gave them physical check-ups with help from Myanmarese interpreters. 

The Muslim refugees will remain at the facility until otherwise ordered. Two large rooms have been put aside for prayers. 

An interpreter said that the refugees are demanding the Thai government to coordinate with the United Nations in helping them seek asylum in another country. They refused to return to Myanmar because they feared for their safety. 

Many of them complained that the 75 baht allocated per day per person for food is not enough. They want better quality food in larger portions. They went on hunger strike, but some were later talked out of it. 

Yusuf Towang, the president of a Muslim organisation in the province, said he has been coordinating with immigration authorities in providing assistance to the Rohingya. The Muslim community will collect donations to buy them food, clothing and other essentials to alleviate their problems before they are to be moved to another location.