Thai armed forces conduct patrols to help Rohingya migrants

BANGKOK, May 26 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Armed Forces have set up a patrol unit at sea to help Rohingya migrants. Referring to the assistance unit near Similan Islands in Phang-nga Province in the Thai South, Thai Armed Forces Chief General Worapong Sa-nganetr told journalists that the unit started its operations on Tuesday to offer humanitarian aid to Rohingya migrants on floating ships in the Andaman Sea. General Worapong insisted that the operations of the newly-set up patrol unit are not any attempt to reject Rohingya migrants, as Thailand is not their final destination. General Worapong stressed that any country or international organization wanting to join the assistance mission for Rohingya migrants is to be under the supervisory framework of the Thai unit. The supreme commander noted that he is considering the United States' request to use the Thai sky to survey Rohingya boats, while Malaysia has already approved the same request lodged by the United States. Meanwhile, Thai Navy Chief Admiral Kraisorn Chansuvanich told reporters that the Royal Thai Navy has deployed HTMS Angthong and eight other patrol ships of the Third Naval Area Command, two helicopters and two airplanes for the same mission, as instructed by Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, while doctors will be fielded at the operation unit as of May 27. The navy chief pointed out that naval officers have provided Rohingya migrants with humanitarian aid, including food, drinking water and medical supplies, as well as facilitate their travels to Malaysia and Indonesia. According to the navy chief, the Royal Thai Navy may set up another unit for the same purpose on Lipe Island in the southern Satun Province because of stormy sea for the time being. Air Force Chief-of-Staff Air Chief Marshal Jom Roongsawang revealed that aerial patrols by the Royal Thai Air Force's Grippen DA42 and SAAB 340 planes cover a distance of 200 nautical miles. The Provincial Police Region 9 has also set up its second center to handle Rohingya trafficking cases, including crackdowns on the smuggling of migrants into Thailand, together with its first center operating in Hat Yai area of the southern Songkhla Province. Deputy National Police Chief Police General Aek Angsananont, in the meantime, ordered subordinates to conduct public relations (PR) campaigns to urge local people in Ranong, Satun and Songkhla Provinces, all in the Thai South, to provide tip-offs of suspected human trafficking and 6,846 locals have agreed to watch out the illicit business for police. (TNA)