There has been new development in southern Thailand. Three bombs exploded earlier and 15 are confirmed dead. Fearing backlash from the Thai military, a number of Thais have crossed into Malaysia. Further report has it that security near the Malaysian-Thai border has been tightened. Bangkok Post has more.
Malaysia has yet to sign the United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees and hence, does not officially recognize any asylum seekers (pdf). In fact, it’s all too possible that these refugees might be deported back to Thailand ,as what had happened to asylum seekers from Aceh. But surely, we don’t need to sign another piece of paper in order to be humane.
The bombing is a deplorable act and will only worsen the conflict in southern Thailand. Malaysia must assist Thailand in the name of, heh, ASEAN spirit. That however doesn’t mean Malaysia has no responsibility towards those refugees. Malaysia has the moral obligation to guarantee these Thai refugees safety.
And trust me, the world, even those misguided fundamentalists, will have our back if we stand up for the refugees.
