Attack on Huay Kaloke refugee camp (r)

[durham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Dear all,

Sometime between 11:30 and 1 am last night, raiders attacked Huay Kaloke
camp, burning most of the houses and killing or injuring an unknown number
of people.

Initial reports suggest that the camp was shelled with mortars first, many
of which fell within the populated sections and at least one directly on
houses.  Estimates are that perhaps fifty armed attackers, carrying both
light army and some grenade launchers, then entered the camp,
systematically setting fire to homes and shooting randomly at people as
they fled into the surrounding fields.

One woman is confirmed dead having apparently been killed by a mortor or
gunshot wound, then being partly consumed by fire.  Wounded people were
brought into Mae Sot hospital between 2:30 am and 4:00 am.  Other wounded
people were collected into areas adjacent to the camp, such as the
monastery in the Thai village of Huay Kaloke, awaiting transport to
hospitals.  Initial estimates figured there were 30-50 injuries due to
gunshot, shrapnel and fire.

Immediate physical needs include food, shelter and medical attention.
Additionally, people need the political and moral support to relieve
themselves of the burden of refugeeism.  There will be further
communication about both the events of last night and the process for an
appropriate responses.

Currently Thai Prime Minister Chuan is in the United States visiting
diplomats and businessmen.

Sincerely,
Burma Issues documentation center