British Prime Minister Speech@SANGKHA
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher visited Site B refugee camp, also known as Ban Klaengwek (or Ban Khlong Waek), in Sangkha District, Surin Province, Thailand, on Sunday, August 7, 1988, during an official visit to Thailand.
The camp was under the care and relief support of UNBRO (United Nations Border Relief Operation) in conjunction with the Thai government. On that day, she met and held discussions with Prince Norodom Sihanouk, the leader of the Cambodian opposition, and also visited and greeted the children and refugees in the camp.
Summary of Margaret Thatcher's Speech at Site B
The Margaret Thatcher Foundation has recorded the full transcript of her speech delivered at Site B, and the key points are summarized in Thai as follows:
"Your Majesty (to His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk), I am deeply moved by what I have witnessed today—the suffering and the dignity of the people here. Cambodia's struggle for self-determination is important not only to Cambodia but also to Southeast Asia and to the world. We commend your determination to be a free people. We will do everything in our power to assist and support you until you achieve true independence.
We desire to see an independent Cambodia with a freely elected government, stability, and peace with its neighbors. We believe Your Majesty plays a vital role in achieving this goal, and you will receive our full support.
Today I witnessed the devastating effects of the foreign occupation (Vietnamese army). Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes and sought refuge here in Thailand."
The response from the Thai government and the Thai people has been remarkably generous. They have provided refuge to those brutally displaced for decades. I extend my warmest appreciation to the staff of the United Nations Bureau of Reconciliation (UNBRO), the Red Cross, and the various volunteer organizations, many of whom are from my own country.
The UK will continue to support efforts to reach an agreement and provide relief. We were among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance, and we are the largest bilateral donor to non-communist Cambodian refugees in Thailand (having already donated over $20 million and will contribute another $1 million this year). Once a political agreement is reached, we are ready to assist in Cambodia's economic recovery."
Also, on the same day, she held a press conference at Site B, praising the excellent management of the camp and stating that the children growing up there will become good citizens in building a new Cambodia in the future.
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