• At least 21 Rohingya migrants confirmed dead after a boat capsized near Malaysia and Thailand.
• Thirteen survivors rescued; search operations cover 250 square nautical miles.
• Over 5,100 Rohingya attempted to leave Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2023, with nearly 600 reported dead or missing.

Authorities in Malaysia and Thailand confirmed that the toll from a sunken migrant boat carrying members of Myanmar's Rohingya minority has reached at least 21 dead. This incident occurred near Thailand's Ko Tarutao island, shortly after the vessel departed from Myanmar's Rakhine state. Initial reports indicated the boat had approximately 70 migrants on board when it capsized, with ongoing searches for anyone still missing, according to Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) reported that thirteen survivors were rescued since Saturday, with a search area expanded to cover over 250 square nautical miles due to current patterns, which may shift bodies towards Malaysian waters. The operation is set to continue for up to seven days, reflecting the urgency of the situation, as stated by Anadolu Agency, and Reuters.

This tragic event forms part of a larger crisis, as over 5,100 Rohingya have attempted perilous maritime journeys over the past year, fleeing the dire circumstances in Myanmar and crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Tragically, nearly 600 have been reported dead or missing while attempting similar crossings, highlighted by data from the United Nations Refugee Agency. The challenges faced by the Rohingya community are exacerbated by ongoing ethnic violence and persecution, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

Malaysian and Thai authorities have been criticized for their handling of the Rohingya crisis, with rights groups calling for action to ensure that refugees are allowed safe passage and landing. Reports indicate that the Rohingya, who face systemic abuse and discrimination in Myanmar, often resort to smuggling routes to escape dire conditions, drawing attention from humanitarian organizations urging Southeast Asian nations to reassess their policies towards these vulnerable populations, as emphasized by Channel News Asia and Anadolu Agency.