Despite the presence of dozens of forensic specialists, hundreds of decomposing bodies thought to be those of Burmese migrant workers are still lying at Wat Yanyao's temporary morgue in Phangnga awaiting identification. The chances they will ever be identified are looking remote, for reasons the surviving Burmese workers know only too well but are unable to speak of too openly.
Burmese workers who survived the deadly tsunami have been subjected to inhumane treatment by Thai authorities. Hundreds have been rounded up in the six affected provinces and deported back to Burma; the rest face harassment by police and immigration officers after it was rumoured that some migrant workers were seen looting in the disaster areas.
Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, in charge of identifying the tsunami victims at Wat Yanyao, could be accused of castigating the wrong people when she complained the other day that hotel managers were refusing to help identify the hundreds of bodies at the temple morgue thought to have been hotel staff. She said many of the victims were in hotel livery and some were still clutching room keys.
Khunying Porntip should understand the concerns of hotel executives if she has any inkling to the plight of the many surviving Burmese workers who would like to help identify dead relatives and friends. These people have a need to discover the truth, but they cannot because to make inquiries would expose them to arrest and possible deportation to Burma, where they can expect to face cruel treatment from the military junta.
That no hotel executives have shown up to identify the bodies shows they are aware of the trouble they could be in for employing illegal foreign labour. Or is it that they simply care nothing for the welfare of their Burmese staff, showing no interest whether they are even alive or dead? We should hope not.
The hotel managers need to be assured by the authorities that legal action will not be taken against them if they come forward to help with identification. Migrant workers should receive a similar assurance. The coming forward of these people would be an enormous help in speeding up the identification process. All those waiting for final word, here in Thailand, in Burma and in other countries around the world, would be hugely appreciative.
The Thai people have won high praise from various governments, international organisations and foreign individuals for the kindness they have shown and the extraordinary treatment they have provided to the victims of the tsunami, especially foreign tourists. Despite their painful ordeal, many tourists have returned home with fond memories of Thai hospitality and have vowed to return again in the future.
The Thai people should feel proud. But shouldn't they also feel shame, shame at the way one group of tsunami victims has been so poorly treated _ simply for the reason that they were poor and desperate enough to leave their homes in the hope of a better life in Thailand? Rather than treat these people with cruel disdain, they deserve our compassion and assistance.
Prior to Dec 26, it is thought that tens of thousands of Burmese were working in the six Andaman coast provinces, legally or illegally, as hotel staff, on fishing boats, in construction, as housemaids or in the service industry. Many had taken jobs shunned by most Thais and were willing to accept below minimum wages in order to put food on their family table. Many suffered humiliation and now have lost loved ones. Many are now without a roof over their head or any hope for the future. The situation is desperate, while all they have to look forward to is to identify the bodies of loved ones and give them a proper sending off. Yet this very humble and decent wish is denied by the Thai authorities.
With deep prejudice resulting in such detestable treatment of Burmese migrant workers, is there really cause for national pride in the way we have responded to our worst natural calamity?