Rohingya Holding Centre Will Be Temporary, Says Thai PM

BANGKOK (Thailand), May 15 (Bernama) -- Thailand is only willing to consider providing temporary holding camp for the Rohingya people entering Thailand illegally. It is a place to hold them for a short-term period while awaiting to be processed, but it is not a permanent center that lasts for 10-20 years," said Thailand Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha when asked by reporters whether Thailand will set up such a camp. "Don't say that it is a refugee camp. It is about whether they illegally enter or not," he said. "There is Suanplu (Immigration Bureau in Bangkok), but will it be able to receive 3,000-4,000 people?" he said. On the upcoming meeting on the Rohingya to be hosted by Thailand, Gen. Prayuth said the meeting on May 29 would discuss all related issues such as the origin, transit and destination as well as how to solve the problem. He said while Thailand could not deny its responsibility in the problem there was also the issue with regard to budget to assist the Rohingya. Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister Gen. Thanasak Patimaprakorn said the government would not set up an official refugee shelter for the Rohingya people but was willing to provide short-term assistance based on humanitarian grounds. --BERNAMA