The migrants are reported to have traveled by boat from Bangladesh with Malaysia as their destination.
Many Rohingyas have fled from Myanmar, where the mainly Muslim minority group is subjected to oppression and persecution. Many flee to overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh – or risk their lives on dangerous journeys across the sea to Malaysia or Indonesia.
The group was discovered by local residents near a temple on Phuket. Many were in poor condition, according to reports in local media. Several more are reported to have died on the journey.
According to Thai authorities, the group will now be sent to "a third country", although it is unclear where. Rohingyas who are arrested are often taken to detention facilities that human rights groups describe as overcrowded and dirty.
