Opinion | UN concerned after probe shows Thai troops shot at Rohingya
High Commissioner for Refugees says it is "gravely concerned" after its investigation shows troops fired as boatpeople fled
Investigations by the UN's refugee agency have confirmed that Thai authorities opened fire as they were moving Rohingya boatpeople, sparking a warning that it was now "gravely concerned" by the situation.
A statement issued last night by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said its staff had interviewed boatpeople near the resort of Phuket as well as some 121 boatpeople who arrived in Aceh, Indonesia, four days after the incident, which reportedly took place on February 22.
"According to converging accounts, at least three shots were fired during the interception, but the information is conflicting as to whether these were warning shots or actually aimed at the passengers," the statement said.
"Survivors and local fishermen near Phuket said two dead bodies were recovered from the sea, though it was unclear if the cause of death was shooting or drowning."
Survivors and local fishermen near Phuket said two dead bodies were recovered from the sea, though it was unclear if the cause of death was shooting or drowning
Recent reports in the South China Morning Post - based on survivors' and local villagers' accounts and photographic evidence - have detailed the deaths of at least two boatpeople.
The shootings occurred when Thai military personnel tried to separate around 130 refugees between two boats. Some Rohingya refused to obey the troops' orders. When one soldier fired a warning shot, about 20 jumped overboard.