Thailand's draft repatriation policy could endanger refugees, Fortify Rights warns

Photo – Spokespersons from the Prime Minister’s Office explain the results of the Cabinet meeting. (Office of the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Royal Thai Government, 2026.) (August 7) Mizzima. Fortify Rights warned in a report released on August 6 that a draft regulation on the repatriation of foreigners being developed in Thailand could pave the way for the forced return of refugees who may face persecution, torture, enforced disappearance, or death. Fortify Rights urged the Thai government to immediately suspend the draft and review it in consultation with refugees, civil society organizations, and human rights experts. The draft was approved by the Thai cabinet on July 14, 2026, and aims to enable the faster repatriation of foreigners involved in illegal entry, overstaying visas, committing crimes, or engaging in illegal business activities. However, Fortify Rights stated that the draft lacks provisions to adequately assess the protection needs of refugees, thus increasing the risk of people being returned to countries where they may face persecution or life-threatening danger. It also pointed out that the provision allowing return to the last country of residence if nationality cannot be confirmed is particularly concerning for those needing protection, including Rohingya people. According to Fortify Rights, since early 2024, Thai authorities have collaborated with the Myanmar junta to forcibly repatriate Myanmar nationals, reporting that over 3,500 Myanmar nationals were repatriated through the Ranong-Kawthaung border between February 2024 and November 2025. An additional 808 were repatriated from January to July 7, 2026, bringing the total to an estimated 4,571 since December 2023. The report also cited an interview with a former CDM police officer from Myanmar who told Fortify Rights that if handed over to the junta, he could face arrest, torture, imprisonment, or even the death penalty, and that Thai immigration officials told him that if he withdrew from the UNHCR process, he would be released more quickly. Fortify Rights pointed out that the draft regulation is inconsistent with the principle of Non-refoulement, which Thailand is obligated to uphold under international law, prohibiting the forced return of individuals to countries where they face a real risk of torture or other serious human rights violations. Fortify Rights stated that Thailand has also incorporated this principle into its 2022 law on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance. Furthermore, on July 15, civil society organizations working on refugee issues in Thailand also called for the suspension of the draft and for a comprehensive review involving the Thai National Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international legal experts, and civil society organizations. The post Thailand's draft repatriation policy could endanger refugees, Fortify Rights warns appeared first on BUR.MIZZIMA.COM.