Thai PM ready to exercise Section 44 to solve Rohingya-related problems

BANGKOK, May 6 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha eyes to exercise his power under Section 44 of Thailand's Provisional Constitution if concerned authorities cannot solve problems related to illegal Rohingya migrants within 10 days. Thai Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists of the update on Wednesday, saying that Prime Minister General Prayut has ordered local authorities concerned to ensure within the deadline that no illegal migrant camps exist in their areas and those behind the illicit business are tackled. The deputy spokesman noted that the order went to heads of villages, sub-districts and districts, as well as top officials of provinces where illegal migration of Rohingya Muslims and their detention camps might take place. Based on the prime minister's order, local authorities can seek help from the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, under the Thai Ministry of Interior, if they find out that some government officials have involved in the illicit business and blocked their actions. The deputy spokesman quoted the prime minister as warning if normal systems were unable to address the problems within the deadline, Section 44 would be exercised to solve them. Meanwhile, Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Spokesman Colonel Banpot Punpian told reporters that Commanding General of the 4th Army Area Command Lieutenant General Prakan Cholayuth has instructed his subordinates to clear illegal migrant camps in the Thai far South, from Satun to Songkhla Provinces, and naval forces in the region to intensify their coastal patrols from Songkhla to Narathiwat Provinces to block the illegal entry of Rohingya migrants to Thailand. (TNA)