The Nation -Headlines -Wire fences

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Subject: The Nation -Headlines -Wire fences anger Burmese students

The Nation - Nov 11, 1999.
Headlines -Wire fences anger Burmese students

RATCHABURI -- Burmese students at the Maneeloy holding centre yesterday
protested against the Thai authorities' toughened security at the camp.

They particularly objected to barbed-wire fences that separate newcomers
from the current residents and to the hundreds of security officials on
guard at the centre.

The students called for the fences to be removed and security officials sent
away, saying fences and guards made them feel like they are living in
prison.

They also threatened to mobilise friends in Bangkok to join their protest at
the holding centre in Ratchaburi's Pak Tho district.

In the afternoon, Thai officials and representatives from the United Nations
High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) met the protesting students to discuss
ways to settle the dispute.

Earlier in the day, more than 200 Burmese students from Bangkok arrived at
Maneeloy on five buses, accompanied by UNHCR officials. The students were
warmly welcomed by their compatriots already living there.

Upon noticing the barb-wired fences and some 400 policemen and village
volunteers on guard, the newcomers began expressing their dissatisfaction,
which culminated in a noisy protest.

The Nation