The government Thursday firmly denied a report that the Thai Navy threatened to open fire on a migrant boat found off Koh Lipe last week if it didn’t leave Thai waters.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that a survivor of the rickety wooden boat that broke down in the Andaman Sea and was pulled ashore by local fishermen in Indonesia yesterday said the navy threatened gunfire after providing passengers with provisions.
Sirajul Islam, a Rohingya Muslim who was among several hundred migrants brought to shore in Aceh province, said the Thai navy repaired the engine and provided food and drinks on May 14 but afterward pushed the boat away "within 10 minutes, otherwise they would shoot our ship."
Deputy government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government had a clear policy not to employ any form of violence and adheres to international law regarding humanitarian assistance.
An investigation of all the navy personnel on the relief mission confirmed there was no use, or threatened use of, weapons, he said.
"The government and the Royal Thai Navy deny the untrue report. The fact is that navy provided food and drinks following humanitarian principles and repaired the boat as requested until 3am," said Maj Gen Sansern.
He noted that if Thailand wanted to push the boat away, it was not necessary to provide assistance and media was there recording the operation.
"The Thai government was saddened (by the accusation). The navy, which is dedicated to assisting mankind while protecting the sovereignty of Thai waters, was especially disappointed," said Maj Gen Sansern.
However, he insisted that the Thai government would not change its stance on irregular migration by boatpeople. Thailand will provide food and drinks, but if the migrants intended to enter Thailand, they had to go through the legal system.
