Thai fishermen's

Thai fishermen's
deportation

I am writing in response to the news report titled Thai
fishermen deported published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 28.
The said news reported that the South Sumatra Police deported on
Aug. 27, 36 Thai fishermen who were detained in August last year
for illegally fishing in Indonesian territorial waters.

The report further quoted a South Sumatra Police officer's as
follows: (1) "The deportation was paid for by local residents and
businesspeople" and (2) "We deported them because the Royal Thai
Embassy in Jakarta did not pay attention to their plight."

I am deeply concerned about the said report and therefore very
much obliged to clarify to you and through you to the readers on
what should be the real issue as follows:
1. The Royal Thai Embassy adheres to the government of Thailand's
policy on encouraging all Thai vessels to respect and comply with
all related laws and regulations of the host countries.
2. The Royal Thai Embassy appreciates all the kind assistance and
cooperation the Indonesian people and authorities concerned have
rendered to the Thai fishermen. It also appreciates the
Indonesian authorities concerned who have regularly notified the
embassy of information relating to the detention and release of
Thai fishermen.

Most importantly, in the past when the Royal Thai Embassy was
asked to help repatriate Thai fishermen, we never denied our
responsibility. On the contrary, we thank the authorities
concerned who notified us and responded and cooperated with such
a kind request on all cases.
3. It is unfortunate to find that there is no information
regarding the above mentioned 36 Thai fishermen in the embassy's
records.

It is therefore my earnest hope that you will understand the
above clarification.

SOMSAK LIKANAJULE

Minister

Royal Thai Embassy

Jakarta