Bkk Post -Lives placed in jeopardy

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Bangkok Post - Nov 12, 1999.
THAILAND-BURMA
Lives placed in jeopardy

The crackdown on illegal workers has jeopardised the safety of thousands of
people who fled persecution in Burma, Amnesty International said yesterday.

Authorities have deported more than 1,500 illegal Burmese workers over the
past week.

"Many with well-founded fears of persecution in Myanmar [Burma] are at risk
of being returned with no opportunity to claim asylum," Amnesty said.

"Amnesty International is further concerned at reports that those deported
are being refused entry or being arrested for illegal entry by the Myanmar
authorities.

"This has resulted in many being stranded in the Moei river which separates
Thailand from Myanmar.. and in the surrounding jungle on Thai territory
where they have no food, water or shelter."A number of people were reported
to have drowned while trying to return to Thailand.

The repatriation has been complicated by Rangoon's decision in October to
close its border with Thailand.