The I.D.C. is a holding facility for people accused of violating Thailand’s immigration laws. Such violations are not considered criminal, so no criminal proceedings are conducted, no sentences for specific periods of time are given. Violations include illegal boarder crossings, over staying visa time limitations, foreigners working without work permits, etc. As a general rule, those who are kept here will be returned to a country where they hold citizenship, so citizenship needs to be established. Those who have illegally crossed Thailand’s boarders adjacent to their own can be bussed back to those boarders without being charged for the transportation. For others whose passports are in order, with the financial capacity to pay for airplane tickets to their own countries, stays at I.D.C. can be brief. Others will need help.

Embassies in Thailand generally provide assistance necessary as to proof of citizenship and payment for air travel home can be paid in rare circumstances if family members are unable to do so promptly, so those needing this help can be released. Others may be kept here for a long time before these requirements are met. NCCM&P, Maryknoll and Jesuit Refugee Services (J.R.S.) have employees at I.D.C. at office spaces provided here to obtain what is necessary for migrants to return to their countries when migrants have no resources themselves. Obtaining proof of citizenship often proves the most troubling difficulty; poorer countries without embassies in Thailand that fail to provide proof of citizenship condemn their citizens to continued confinement here. Both Jesuit and Maryknoll networks around the world are used to obtain the necessary documents (This is also true for obtaining proof of persecution in cases before the U.N.H.R.C.). Once proof of citizenship satisfies authorities, financial assistance can be given if necessary to buy the airplane tickets required for release.

Good relations are maintained with I.D.C. OFFICIALS. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have contributed towards improving the quality of life of those kept here. Blankets were purchased for sleeping on the cement floors. Basic hygiene needs and clothing were donated. The Immigration Detention Center Coordinating Committee helps people who have stayed here for over nine months. With UNHCR representation, NGOs such as NCCM&P, Maryknoll, J.R.S., the International Organization for Migrants, C.O.E.E.R., etc., and concerned churches such as Christ’s Church, Calvary Baptist Church, etc., meet monthly to discuss the release of some. Their attempts to improve conditions have contributed a great deal in the past few years.

Inhabitants here are separated by places of origin. Those who come from country’s that boarder Thailand are the most numerous. It is possible to put as many as 350 Burmese in a single cell, forcing half to stand as there is only room for the other half to sit or sleep at a time. This may be for only a short period, as they will be bussed back to their boarders soon. Separate cells are maintained for Africans, Asians, Europeans, Australians, etc. Men are separated from women and women with children have separate cells. While adults will not see direct sunlight while kept here, children can go to school and play outside their cells. A Maryknoll lay missionary has been working with families and children here. Migrants here can have cases pending before the United Nations High Commission for Refugees; if Refuge Status is granted by UNHCAR, relocation to countries other than where citizenship is maintained is possible; representation is provided when necessary by NCCM&P and J.R.S., which has its own legal office. The issues are very serious as return for some to countries ruled by despots can result in persecution or execution of people whose only crimes have been attempts to exercise their freedom of political or religious expression.