Southeast Asian nations discuss influx of boat-borne migrants

(Vatican Radio) Some Southeast Asian nations met in Bangkok on Friday to discuss the influx of boat-borne migrants fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh.

In the last few weeks alone, at least 3,000 people have been rescued by fishermen or made their way ashore. 

Listen to the report by Alastair Wanklyn: 

Thailand's foreign minister told the meeting the influx of migrants from boats has reached an alarming level. 

He said nations are trying to help those in need, but they also need to stop the boats from setting off and to combat the transnational crime responsible. 

"The situation has affected various countries in the region. No country can solve this problem alone" he said.

A United Nations representative said there is "no solution without addressing the root causes" of why people are risking their lives to make a new start. 

Volker Turk, U.N. Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees  pointed out that "Among other things, this will require full assumption of responsibilities by Myanmar towards all its people."  

The boat people are from both Bangladesh and Myanmar, many of them escaping poverty, and the Myanmar representative at the meeting in Bangkok said do not blame the Burmese.

"Finger pointing will not serve any purpose. It will take us nowhere" said Htin Linn, head of Myanmar's delegation.

Separately on Friday, Thailand said it would allow the United States military to operate flights from there to search for migrants stuck on boats at sea.