10,490 Karens to be moved

10,490 Karens to be moved

BANGKOK (AFP): The Thai army begins moving 10,490 Karen refugees today from camps next to Salween national park in a bid to curb illegal logging, army officers said.

The refugees from Myanmar are believed to be heavily involved in the logging trade, which has come under intense public scrutiny in Thailand after a bribery scandal brought the issue into the spotlight last week.

Army officers said the Karen would be given an ultimatum during meetings yesterday-- either to move to a new Thai refugee camp or return to Myanmar and fend for themselves.

The refugees are currently based at Ban Au-Da-Na, Ban Mae Sakaeb, Ban Ko Ta and Ban Sob Jae in Mae Sariang district of Mae Hong Song province in northwest Thailand, the officers said.