PHUKET: A survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University has found that the discovery of graves of Rohingya people in the southern province of Songkhla had stirred shock and compassion among Thai people to the point that tough actions against wrongdoers had been recommended.
The survey focused on main topics namely Thai people's reaction to the report of the plight of Rohingya people, their view of the country's image and their suggestions on the matter.
When asked how they feel upon learning about the plight of Rohingya people, the majority of the respondents admitted that they were sad and sympathetic to the Rohingya people undergoing hardships in foreign countries and wish that authorities bring the culprits to justice as soon as possible.
With regard to the matter's repercussions on the country, most of the respondents said the reports on the Rohingya people's misfortunes would unavoidably affect the country's image.
As for suggestions regarding the problem, the respondents are of the opinion that the government should issue short-term and long-term solutions and closely cooperate with neighboring countries to address the problem.
More than half of them also suggested that the government handle the issue through Section 44 so that the problem can be solved without delay.
The results of the poll were compiled from the answers of 1386 people across the country between May 4 and 9.
The survey focused on main topics namely Thai people's reaction to the report of the plight of Rohingya people, their view of the country's image and their suggestions on the matter.
When asked how they feel upon learning about the plight of Rohingya people, the majority of the respondents admitted that they were sad and sympathetic to the Rohingya people undergoing hardships in foreign countries and wish that authorities bring the culprits to justice as soon as possible.
With regard to the matter's repercussions on the country, most of the respondents said the reports on the Rohingya people's misfortunes would unavoidably affect the country's image.
As for suggestions regarding the problem, the respondents are of the opinion that the government should issue short-term and long-term solutions and closely cooperate with neighboring countries to address the problem.
More than half of them also suggested that the government handle the issue through Section 44 so that the problem can be solved without delay.
The results of the poll were compiled from the answers of 1386 people across the country between May 4 and 9.
Dear Ed
This seems like a very significant poll result.
Is the Thai language media still devoting a reasonable amount of coverage to this developing story?
Ian Yarwood
Solicitor - Perth, Western Australia
Posted by Ian Yarwood on May 10, 2015 17:21
Editor Comment:
There's unprecedented interest in the Rohingya issue in Thailand now. Strangely, a lot of chatter now centres on whether the word is Rohingya with a g or Rohinya without a g. You will have also seen that 500 boatpeople have just arrived in Aceh, which means there will probably be another seat required at the regional talks.