Rangsiman Rome, Thai MP, calls for urgent reforms to address the plight of Myanmar refugees in Thailand amid rising corruption and the need for legal recognition. He emphasizes the need for immediate registration of refugees to provide access to education and work, mitigating tensions and enhancing their contributions to the economy. Rome advocates for international cooperation to address the crisis effectively and highlights the necessity to reform educational policies for migrant children.
In the face of a significant influx of refugees from Myanmar following the military coup, Rangsiman Rome, a Member of Parliament and chair of the Thai House Committee on National Security, has called for urgent reforms to address the migration crisis and rampant corruption affecting these individuals. In an exclusive interview with VOA, he stressed the importance of legal recognition for the refugees, which would facilitate their access to essential services such as education and employment. Rome articulated the dire consequences of the civil unrest in Myanmar, indicating that the lack of a coherent policy in Thailand has left many refugees living in precarious conditions without legal status. “The civil war in Myanmar is devastating, forcing many to flee into Thailand,” he stated. He noted that as long as Thailand continues to treat these individuals as invisible, corruption will persist, with refugees often coerced into paying bribes to local authorities for basic rights and resources. As part of a broader strategy, Rome proposed the immediate registration of approximately 6 million Myanmar nationals residing in Thailand, which would not only legitimize their status but also position them to contribute to the Thai economy through taxation. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity to engage international partners such as Japan, the United States, and Australia for humanitarian support. Rome has also pointed out the inconsistencies evident in the government’s approach to education for migrant children, criticizing policies that isolate them from the Thai educational system. He asserted, “Kids are innocent. They should have access to the Thai education system.” He argued that integrating refugee children into existing schools is both reasonable and beneficial for Thai society as a whole. Addressing recent protests against Myanmar refugees in Thailand, Rome acknowledged that economic challenges, exacerbated by the ongoing crisis, have intensified tensions. He argued that improving the refugees’ legal standing would diminish corruption and facilitate better integration into the labor market. In closing, Rome reiterated the vital need for collaborative efforts between Thailand and Myanmar to foster peace and stability in the region. “I understand that the people from Myanmar seek peace and safety here,” he emphasized, highlighting the shared responsibility of both nations.
The context of this article is centered on the increasing number of Myanmar refugees entering Thailand after the country’s military coup. This situation has raised significant concerns regarding migration policies, human rights, and the impacts of corruption. Many refugees are forced to remain unregistered and illegal, which exacerbates their vulnerability. With an estimated 6 million refugees in Thailand, issues related to access to education, healthcare, and employment have surfaced, necessitating urgent government reform and international cooperation.
In summary, Rangsiman Rome’s interview outlines the pressing need for Thailand to reform its policies regarding Myanmar refugees, advocating for their legal recognition to enable access to essential services and reduce corruption. His proposals emphasize a coordinated approach involving international partners and a reevaluation of current educational policies for migrant children. Ultimately, fostering a stable environment for refugees will benefit both Thailand and the broader region, facilitating more significant cooperation between neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
