Thai authorities have officially allowed Karenni refugees from Dawnoeku Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp who are temporarily taking shelter in Thailand due to the military council’s aerial bombardment, to return home, according to the administrative body of Dawnoeku IDP camp.
Thai authorities do not force refugees to return home and tell them that they can register their names and return home officially if they have desire to do so, the administrator of Dawnoeku IDP camp said.
Thousands of refugees from Dawnoeku Karenni IDP camp have fled to Thailand as the military conducted aerial bombardment on the IDP camp on the Thai-Myanmar border on 12 July.
Currently, the regional situation at Dawnoeku IDP camp is stable. However, most of the IDPs still don’t want to return to their homes because they are afraid of being bombarded by the military council, Khu Phayay Yal, administrator of Dawnoeku IDP camp said.
A refugee from Dawnoeku IDP camp said: “I can’t say exactly whether the army conducts airstrikes or not. They have already conducted an airstrike, so I am worried that they may come again. If We return home, we may face difficulties in getting food and accommodation.”
Regarding the situation of the refugees taking refuge in Thailand, Khu Phayay Yal, administrator of Dawnoeku IDP camp said: “Refugees may face difficulties in the availability of food as roads remain closed.”
According to the list, the number of Dawnoeku refugees who are temporarily accepted by Thailand is 3,881. The refugees still have fears and anxieties, Khu Phayay Yal said.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times