Rohingyas grease palms to keep away troubles in Thailand

Thai rescue workers collect the recovered remains of a suspected Rohingya migrant after discovering another grave site at a long-abandoned Muslim cemetery in Sadao district, Songkhla province near the Thai-Malaysian border in southern Thailand, 06 May 2015. Pic EPA.

BANGKOK: As gruesome tales from migrant camps in Thailand's deep-South jungles are unfolding, many Rohingya in these southern provinces claim they are quietly paying bribes to avoid legal trouble.

"We have been paying some tea money to officials every month or else we may end up being prosecuted for illegal entry," said Joja.

Having fled from his home country, this Rohingya man has settled down in Ranong for over 20 years already.

Joja said for the Rohingya living in Thailand, their ultimate dream is to get an "identity card for a displaced Thai".

He pointed out that with such a card, the Rohingya could live like Thais. "They can do any job, get education and even buy land," he said.

Joja said some Rohingya had managed to get such cards after they paid agents a lump sum.

"These agents said they had connections with government officials," he said.

Zakee, also a Rohingya, said she had paid more than 30,000 baht (RM3,200) for the card and now could move around in Thailand without fear.

"I don't have to lie low anymore," she said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an administrative official in Ranong suggested the illegitimate issuance of such ID cards to Rohingya was the work of officials who have already been punished.

"It happened before and it involved high-ranking officials. But these officials have already been fired," he said.

He also said that all applicants for the ID card for displaced Thais were now required to undergo a strict screening process.

Asked about the payment of monthly bribes, this official said, "I don't know if the problem still exists". He claimed there were not many Rohingya in Ranong now.

Aree, 54, who is married with eight children, said he was so happy that he was now officially considered a displaced Thai.

"Thais are kind. I live happily here. I will never go back to Myanmar," he said. This Rohingya and his wife sneaked into Thailand via Tak's Mae Sot district about 20 years ago. Today, both have ID cards of displaced Thais. - The Nation/Asia News Network

 

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