Governor Maitree Intusut this morning praised the kind-heartedness of people and officials in Rawai who had donated rice, water and fuel to the refugees to allow them continue on their journey to their intended destination, Malaysia.
However, he said, the condition of the boat was so poor that officials were worried it would sink before reaching Malaysia, drowning all those aboard. So it was decided to round them up and send them “home”.
“We have taken them to the Immigration Department and they have consented to be sent back. They will be driven up to Ranong this afternoon and then transferred to Myanmar.”