ARTICLE REVIEW

NAMA : MUHAMAD RAHMAD BIN ZAKARIA

NO. MATRIK : 827023

LECTURE : ASSOC. PROF. DR. BAKRI BIN MAT

COURSE : GFFP 5124 NON-TRADITIONAL

SECURITY ISSUES
Introduction

In article Displaced Rohingya and Concern for Non-Traditional Security Risks in Thailand
by Bussabong Chaijaroenwatana and Md Mahbubul Haque (2020)1 regarding Rohingya
refugee’s issues in Thailand which has long history since 1970s until now in 2020. Due to the
conflict that lasted without an end, the effects spread to neighbouring countries. This issue is a
phenomenon that is much debated globally, especially from the humanitarian aspect. Although
the humanitarian aspect is the core of the discussion on this issue, but the sovereignty and
impact on the country that receives the inclusion of these refugees also attracts researchers to
examine in depth. Therefore, the study will critically to examine how the Thai government
treats the displaced Rohingya and to what extent that the Rohingya pose a security risk for
Southern Thailand.

The study begins by recounting a little bit of the history of how Rohingya refugees came
to be. The issue of the Rohingya crisis began in the 1940s where the separate identity of the
Rohingya was acknowledged by Prime Minister U Nu who headed the ruling Anti-Fascist
People’s Freedom League (AFPFL). The crisis was exacerbated by the implementation of the
Rohingya exclusion policy initiated after General Ne Win seized power in a military coup in
1962 and became head of state as Head of the Union Revolutionary Council and also Prime
Minister. The critical moment for the Rohingya was in 1982 when the Rohingya were denied
Myanmar citizenship by the Citizenship Law. The law was created in the name of indigenous
ethnicities to deny citizenship to the Rohingya people.

The effects of this crisis caused the Rohingya to become stateless and forced to flee to save
their lives and self -esteem. Even sadder, when faced with problems in their homeland, they
face problems in obtaining legal assistance. This is because most countries in the Southeast
Asian region have not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, including
Thailand. As such, Thailand applied its domestic law namely the Immigration Act 1979 to
address the issue of Rohingya refugees. This implementation is considered highly inappropriate

1
Chaijaroenwatana, B., & Haque, M. M. (2020). Displaced Rohingya and Concern for Non-Traditional Security
Risks in Thailand. Asian Affairs: An American, 47(3), 201-225. doi:10.1080/00927678.2020.1763537

1
because the Rohingya did not enter the territory of Thailand or any other country with their
own intentions but due to compulsion.

Then the study describes the history of Rohingya refugees from a religious point of view,
namely Islam. This is because the issue of Rohingya refugees was hotly debated in 2012,
especially during Aung San Suu Kyi's rule. The growing riots between Buddhism and Islam
resulted in the massacre of Muslims, especially the Rohingya. The influx of Rohingya refugees
into Thailand especially their settlement in Southern Thailand to some extent involves religious
elements. As is well known, Southern Thailand is more dominated by Muslims. This led to the
acceptance of locals who were sympathetic to the plight of fellow believers. Due to that, there
is concern if there are elements of terrorists infiltrating into the local community. This is
because the issue of Jihadism is very closely monitored by the government.

Based on the structure of the explanation, the study should not focus on the description of
the Rohingya alone. The study should touch on a few other Muslim races in Myanmar who
also received the same fate as the Rohingya. Then, the arrangement of the description is better
by first completing the description on the subject of the Rohingya and then touching on the
impact on Thailand. This is made easier by giving the reader a full picture or information about
the Rohingya which will then have an impact on the country receiving these refugees. In
addition, researchers can also place additional reading references on countries that recognize
refugee conventions and protocols. In addition, it can be illustrated that the researcher has an
in -depth knowledge of such conventions and protocols. At the end of introduction part clearly
put the objective and problem statement of the study that is this study to examine the treatment
of displaced Rohingya in Thailand and see them seen as a security threat for Thailand. It will
greatly help the reader to easily know what the direction of the purpose of the study and the
point will be peel.

Background of the study

Rohingya refugees are a case study for this writing. Therefore, researchers need to
obtain detailed and authentic information. Therefore, researchers have presented two methods

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of methodology used to obtain the data. The first way is through a literature review that contains
information on Rohingya atrocities in Myanmar and unregulated Rohingya migration in
Thailand. Literary materials consist of NGO reports, academic journals, digital materials on
websites and reports of community organizations. In addition, this literature reviews also
helped researchers gain sufficient knowledge about the desperate journey of the Rohingya to
Thailand and the response from state and non-state actors.

After the researcher has completed obtaining the basic information of the study and
overview, the study will enter the second phase in the process of obtaining information. This
phase is the acquisition of information through interviews. As noted in the writing, field studies
were also carried out. This is important for obtaining primary data. The study was seen to be
done with full ethics, manners and consideration in obtaining information from interview
participants. The researcher first contacted the participants and obtained verbal permission to
schedule the interview. This is important in helping participants prepare in advance with the
information they have so that the information they want to convey is not wrong or
misunderstood.

Developers have also listed and categorized the participants who want to be interviewed
which are divided into three categories. This categorization is seen as very important to get the
participants who should be interviewed to ensure that the information obtained is more quality
and genuine. Participants such as ethnographers of community leaders, academics, rights
activists and INGO open interviews, members of civil society from the southernmost provinces
were listed as key informants.

In addition, the study also obtained data and information from qualified and
experienced experts including university lecturers, human rights activists, and INGO officials
through open and structured interviews, speaking with experts from a variety of backgrounds.
This greatly helped the researcher to get more information about the displaced Rohingya
movement and their situation in Thailand. The study was also seen as doing its best to act as
fair in making participants ’choices. This can be seen where researchers try to equate
participation in the aspect of gender. However, this is difficult to do because it is based on
individual positions in an organization and it is beyond the control of the researcher. The efforts
of this researcher should be commended in producing a study that is transparent and not biased
towards any party.

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 In completing a study, limitations are not missed and are a challenge to the researcher.
In this study, the researcher was unable to obtain interviews with Thai policy makers. This
makes the study unable to touch on the aspect of the police stance on the issue of Rohingya
refugee settlement in Thailand.

Theory / approach

In essence, the issue of Rohingya refugees is rooted in traditional security aspects.

However, objectively to analyse the displaced Rohingya treatment in Thailand and their
presence created any risk for security or not, this study looks at the issues studied from a non -
traditional security perspective or known as human security. This is based on the argument that
human security stands as an extension of the traditional security discourse. Thus, human
security is a part of the greater security discourse.

The human security approach prescribes a cooperative global approach toward conflict
resolution with inbuilt guarantees for freedom of expression, representation and action for all
as the preferred approach to security. The military centred approach to conflict resolution itself
is identified as a threat to human security. As stated by Md Mahbubul Haque in a previous
study that Rohingya-residing countries perceived that this group of people is now a threat for
their society. On the other hand, various organizations have pointed out that overall living
conditions of the Rohingya have declined and these have become a threat to their human
security.

Based on this argument, it is appropriate for the study to use the approach of human
security theory compared to traditional security to explain the phenomenon that occurs. This is
further reinforced by the statement by countries that receive refugees that their long-term
presence creates catastrophic situations for local communities. In other words, the presence of
this group does not threaten the security or sovereignty of the country directly but rather at the
community level.

As such, the study explains fundamentally about the concept of human safety from
various sources. The study begins by explaining what UNDP’s 1994 Human Development
Report states that the human security concept represents a fundamentally new way of thinking

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about a range of contemporary challenges, from hunger and poverty to forced migration. The
study further elaborates on human security where human security can be said to have two main
aspects. It means, first, safety from such chronic threats as hunger, disease and repression. And
second, it means protection from sudden and hurtful disruptions in the patterns of daily life —
whether in homes, in jobs or in communities. In addition, there are seven special elements in
human safety, namely:
1. economic security (i.e. freedom from poverty);
2. food security (i.e. access to food);
3. health security (i.e. access to health care and protection from diseases);
4. environmental security (i.e. protection from such dangers as environmental
pollution and depletion);
5. personal security (i.e. physical safety from such things as torture, war, criminal
attacks, domestic violence, drug use, suicide, and even traffic accidents);
6. community security (i.e. survival of traditional cultures and ethnic groups as
well as the physical security of these groups); and
7. political security (i.e. enjoyment of civil and political rights, and freedom from
political oppression).

Furthermore, the study argue that the human security concept lacks uniformity, though
it has come to the forefront of the agenda for policy makers and concerned academics. The
study also describes the main feature in the concept of human security that the human security
concept is universal by nature, multidimensional, and suitable for everyone regardless of place
or time.

In this case, there are many threats that are common to all people, such as
unemployment, drugs, pollution, crime, etc. The concept of human security is also
multidimensional as it offers an integrated approach and analysis across fields of knowledge
as an alternative to the traditional sectorial approach, divided into specific sectors such as
security, development, human rights, peace, and others. Thus, the researcher stated that the
human security concept has used multidimensional and holistic approaches to analyse various
forms of security issues. Therefore, it is a common phenomenon that forced migration has
many social and cultural impacts.

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 Due to that, the presence of displaced Rohingya has had a significant impact on the
economic, social, cultural, environmental, and legal situations in Thailand from the beginning
until now. This study’s field data suggests that many Rohingyas have been living illegally in
Thailand since the late 1970s. This is based on a network of local Muslim communities that
facilitate their entry and residence in Mae Sot in addition to the Muslim community (especially
businessmen) willingly helped and found jobs for the displaced Rohingya in Mae Sot. This
may also be because some Rohingya claimed that Thailand is not their final destination, rather
it is a temporary shelter or transit place.

Subtopic 1

As previously reported, the study centred on the Rohingya issue. Then the focus of the
study is on the issue of the Rohingya in Thailand which has recorded a series of history since
the 1970s. This is due to the clash between two religions, namely Buddhist and Islamist. This
stage has a great impact on the Muslims of Myanmar, especially the Rohingya ethnic group.
This is because the situation of those who are recognized as stateless by the Myanmar
government has made their situation worse and they cannot be helped by neighbouring
countries through existing laws.

The presence of the Rohingya has spread to the South and Southeast Asian countries.
With their long history of settlement in these countries especially Thailand, some of them have
also married locals and assimilated and have even given birth to a generation of local citizens.
However, their entry is highly feared because studies have found that human trafficking
activities take place. As per the U.S. Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
report. shows Thailand rising to Level 2.

What is more formidable, the mastermind behind this activity is not only from
individuals or groups, but also involves senior government officials. This shows the Rohingya
have been treated as 21st century slaves in Southeast Asia.

Although despite their presence being considered illegal, Thailand has reaped some
undeniable benefits. This is because the data shows undocumented migrant workers, 480,000
stateless people, 110,000 skilled professionals, 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in

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Thailand. This shows that this group is also involved in the economic development of Thailand
where this labour is often misused as low cost labour.

In addition, the Thai government's stance of not stating its policy towards refugees or
asylum seekers makes it more difficult for these groups to be assisted or seek legal assistance.
This situation also causes these groups are often considered as illegal immigrants and taken
action by the enforcement. These refugees will be detained and deported and even ordered to
return to their place of origin which is contrary to the fundamental principles of international
law and one of the key elements of international refugee law.

Subtopic 2
The writing of this study is extended with a second issue raised for an in -depth study
on the probability of the presence of elements of security threats from the Rohingya to
Thailand. This is based on a strong perception that the people of Thailand stated that some
Rohingyas may be involved in helping the Malay-Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand
interior.

However, the study found that the causes and characteristics between Thai and
Rohingya Muslims are completely different. This is based on some arguments or statements
from the interviews conducted. Among them, the Rohingya issue is more about sympathy
among the followers of the religion, namely Islam and in terms of humanity. In addition, the
study also found that Thai Muslim Malay rebellion is not entirely support any military
movements outside their area in the name of Jihad.

As stated, the Rohingya issue is rooted in statelessness and facing atrocities from the
Myanmar administration. This is in stark contrast to the situation in southern Thailand is ethno
nationalist issues, but Muslim Malays still have access to the Thai government. Therefore, you
want to be noted that the study indicated that the issue of the Rohingya ethnic Filling Thai
Malay Muslims while the issue is to establish the ethnic equality in the framework of the nation-
state.

This is based on arguments strongly stated by other researchers. Among them is peace
researcher Eakpant Pindavanija who emphatically denies that the Rohingya are a security risk
for Southern Thailand. He even believed that Thailand should have recognized the 1951

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refugee agreement and the 1967 Protocol in addressing the issue of refugees. The study also
found that the Rohingya are an ethnic minority who have no formal armed groups and often do
not participate in any peace dialogue. Thus, the study suggests that the issue of the Rohingya
military movement having a correlation with the southern insurgency is irrelevant.

This is based on arguments strongly stated by other researchers. Among them is peace
researcher Eakpant Pindavanija who emphatically denies that the Rohingya are a security risk
for Southern Thailand. He even believed that Thailand should have recognized the 1951
refugee agreement and the 1967 Protocol in addressing the issue of refugees. The study also
found that the Rohingya are an ethnic minority who have no formal armed groups and often do
not participate in any peace dialogue. Thus, the study suggests that the issue of the Rohingya
military movement having a correlation with the southern rebels is irrelevant.

This is also supported by several statements from leaders of non -governmental

organizations and the Buddhist civil society. The Rohingya issue should be discussed by
Thailand from the aspect of global problems and human insecurity.

Analysis
As we know, the refugee issue will not only impact the country but will also the next
neighbouring countries of the region and even worse to the global. The study brings up the
issue of Rohingya refugees in Thailand and raises the same question of whether these groups
are capable of posing a non -traditional security threat. The issue that has been 5 decades
without an end that brings benefits to both parties is indeed an interesting topic, important and
requires a lot of research and detail so that no party is affected or oppressed.

Based on non -traditional security theories or concepts used by researchers to support

or prove the questions raised, the results of the study successfully proved based on interviews,
statements and studies from various individuals. As stated by the researcher, the issue of
Rohingya refugees is more to the humanitarian aspect as well as global problems.

In addition, the researcher also managed to prove that the Rohingya refugees do not
have a group or movement with military elements that can refute this issue is a traditional issue
which needs to involve the military. However, if the researcher takes the detailed definition of
refugees from UNCHR will more strongly support the researcher's argument, UNCHR defines

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refugees are people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and have crossed an
international border to find safety in another country (UNCHR, 2020).

Continuing from the statement of researchers under Thailand not recognizing refugee
agreements and protocols, researchers can slightly touch on the positive impact by recognizing
such agreements and protocols (UNHCR, 2015). This is to persuade or open the heart of the
Thai government to sign the agreement and the protocol to open the space for aid to be
channelled to refugees who are in Thailand now. There is no denying zero negative impact as
a result of such recognition, but perhaps the study can suggest some aspects that can be
neglected in helping these refugees based on the economic situation as well as other aspects
that may jeopardize national sovereignty. This is because the aspect of a country's sovereignty
is the first thing and cannot be tolerated.

Moreover, the analysis found that the researchers did not touch on or criticize the reins
of the Myanmar government which blatantly commits crimes against humanity. Furthermore,
it is well known that Myanmar's current leader has been awarded a Nobel Prize. While this
criticism may not have a big impact, it is important to open the eyes of the global community
that this issue is still lingering and needs an action at the global level to resolve it.

Conclusions
Overall, the results of the study succeeded in meeting the objectives as well as answering the
problematic questions raised. However, the problem is still in a deadlock status with no single
solution that benefits all parties involved. Even the oppressed in their own place receive a worse
fate while wanting to get a piece of sympathy. Existing laws are not able to address the issues
that arise or perhaps certain parties do not want to open up space to provide assistance. Perhaps
the religious approach is the best mechanism to open up space and opportunity to those who
need it.

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References
Chaijaroenwatana, B., & Haque, M. M. (2020). Displaced Rohingya and Concern for Non-Traditional
Security Risks in Thailand. Asian Affairs: An American, 47(3), 201-225.
doi:10.1080/00927678.2020.1763537

UNCHR. (2020). What Is A Refugee? Retrieved October 11, 2020, from UNCHR Malaysia Web site:
https://www.unhcr.org/en-my/what-is-a-refugee.html

UNHCR. (2015, April). States Parties 1951 Convention Its 1967 Protocol. Retrieved October 11, 2020,
from UNHCR Web site: https://www.unhcr.org/en-my/protection/basic/3b73b0d63/states-
parties-1951-convention-its-1967-protocol.html

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