ROK POLITICAL COUNSELOR UPDATE ON NORTH KOREAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 006945

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

GENEVA FOR RMA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2016
TAGS: PREF PREL PHUM KN KS TH
SUBJECT: ROK POLITICAL COUNSELOR UPDATE ON NORTH KOREAN
REFUGEES

Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR SUSAN SUTTON, REASONS, 1.4 (B,D).


1. (C) Summary. ROK Embassy Political Counselor Choi said on
November 15 that differences within the RTG may account for
the recent raid on the South Korean shelter for North Korean
refugees. After discussions with the RTG, the ROK Embassy is
now working with Thai Immigration to set up a new shelter
that will be co-supervised by the South Koreans and Thai
Immigration. Choi noted that RTG policy on the legal aspects
of and exit permits for refugee cases was in flux and this
was affecting the departures of North Korean refugees. The
ROK expects an increase in North Korean refugees coming to
Thailand next year. Choi also commented on the results of
his recent visit to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, North
Korean refugee NGO representative Kim Won Du, and expansion
of the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center to accommodate
the increase in North Korean refugees. End summary.


2. (C) ROK Embassy Political Counselor Young-Sam Choi called
on Political Counselor on November 15 and provided an update
on North Korean refugee issues. After the August raid by
Thai immigration officials on the shelter housing North
Korean refugees bound for the ROK, Choi said that the RTG had
unofficially advised the ROK Embassy to set up a new shelter
in the Bangkok suburbs. The ROK Embassy was surprised when
the new shelter was also raided shortly after it was opened.
Choi explained this development by noting that the RTG was
composed of a number of different agencies. These agencies
did not always act in concert and there were even different
views within the organizations themselves.


3. (C) Choi noted that Thai policy on the legal aspects of
and exit permits for refugee cases, except for refugees from
the neighboring countries of Burma, Laos, and Cambodia, were
in flux. Thai Immigration had previously not required that
refugees about to depart for third-country resettlement go
through legal procedures that resolved their status in
Thailand. Though many refugees enter Thailand illegally, if
they had not been detained by Thai authorities they have not
had to go to court, pay a fine or serve jail time before
departing for resettlement. Recently, Thai Immigration
seemed to change the policy, though it apparently did so
without consulting with other RTG agencies. Choi related
that UNHCR Regional Representative Hasim Utkan had discussed
the apparent shift in Thai policy with the head of Thai
Immigration and urged a return to previous practice. Thai
Immigration had yet to respond formally. Choi said that
those North Koreans picked up by Thai authorities in the
first shelter raid had been required to serve jail time.
Those picked up in the second raid had gone to court but been
given a suspended sentence.


4. (C) Choi said that his Embassy seemed to be making
progress with the RTG on the shelter issue. The ROK
Ambassador had told the Thai Immigration chief that a South
Korean shelter would relieve the overcrowding pressure in
Immigration detention facilities. If South Korean shelters
were continually raided, there was no purpose in establishing
them. In response, the Thai Immigration chief had suggested
that the South Koreans and Immigration officials co-supervise
a new shelter. A Thai Immigration official had been
designated to work with the South Koreans and they were now
jointly looking for a new shelter location.


5. (C) Choi said he expected an increase in the number of
North Korean refugees coming to Thailand next year. During
winter, it is easier to cross into China from the DPRK as the
Yalu River freezes. Thailand was also now seen as a safe
place for North Korean refugees. International community
sanctions would likely worsen economic conditions in the
DPRK. This would also contribute to a larger outflow from
the DPRK.


6. (C) Choi said he had visited the northern Thai border town
of Chiang Rai the previous week and met with local Thai
Immigration officials. Contrary to press reports, no
additional measures had been taken at the local level by Thai
Immigration to tighten up the border against refugees. The
local officials told Choi that if the North Koreans were on
Thai soil, they had no choice but to send them to Bangkok for
eventual third country resettlement.


7. (C) Choi raised the issue of Mr. Kim Won Du, a South
Korean who is associated with the North Korean Abduction
Solidarity and Citizen Coalition for Human Rights
organizations. Choi noted the concerns about improper
relationships between Mr. Kim and female North Korean
refugees. Choi said that Mr. Kim has a criminal background

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and two charges were now pending against him in ROK courts.
Choi said something may happen to Mr. Kim soon and noted that
the ROK and Thailand have an extradition treaty.


8. (C) In response to a question from RefCoord, Choi said
that a mid-level Thai immigration official had asked the ROK
Embassy four months ago to support financially an enlargement
of the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center where many North
Korean refugees are held. However, the Thai had never made a
formal request in writing and the ROK Embassy had learned
from a more senior Immigration official that RTG regulations
do not permit foreign government funding of Thai government
building construction.
BOYCE