Following the unrest in Myanmar, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) has been continually monitoring the situation. In 2023, there are reports of periodic fighting in areas opposite Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces, causing Myanmar people to flee across border into Thailand where they were arranged to stay in temporary shelter. In April 2023 especially, the heavy fighting has resulted in the new surge of many Myanmar people crossing into the country.
The NHRCT is gravely concerned about the situation and the safety of Myanmar people seeking refuge inside the Thai border. Therefore, the NHRCT emphatically advises the government and concerned agencies to provide Myanmar displaced persons with safe shelter and humanitarian assistance, including supply of food, drinking water, and other essentials during their stay in the country. The government should strictly adhere to the human rights principle of non-refoulement by not sending displaced persons back to Myanmar if the situation there is not yet safe and could put their lives at risk. This is in line with Thailand’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, the relevant agencies should ensure the safety of Thai people living near the Thai-Myanmar border who might be affected by the fighting, especially children, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
The NHRCT also urges the government to ensure that responsible agencies take necessary actions to expedite the implementation of the Regulation of the Prime Minister on the Screening of Aliens who Enter into the Kingdom and are Unable to Return to the Country of Origin B.E. 2562 to guarantee effective protection to persons against return to danger in accordance with the non-refoulement principle.
The NHRCT will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to protect the human rights of all groups of people who might be affected by the fighting near the Thai-Myanmar border.

The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand
12 April 2023
 

12/04/2023