Thai authorities are mistreating Myanmar nationals who fled to escape conflict and military rule. In towns like Mae Sot, near the border, police often stop, threaten, and demand bribes from them. Many are forced to pay for unofficial “police cards” to avoid arrest, but even those do not guarantee safety. Some who paid bribes were still detained and deported. Most live in fear, rarely going outside to avoid being caught. Many are applying for or renewing “pink cards”, legal documents for migrant workers, but the process is expensive and often involves brokers and fake employers. Although Thailand started a system in 2023 to protect people who can’t return home safely, it largely excludes people from Myanmar. Thailand does not have refugee laws or proper ways to give asylum. There are growing calls for the Thai government to stop the abuse, protect those fleeing danger, and provide a fair and legal way for them to stay safely.
Pray for the Thai government to take immediate action to stop the abuse and protect refugees from Myanmar. Pray for the lawmakers to create strong refugee laws to safeguard the safety of the refugees and asylum seekers (The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 16:19).
Pray that the police authorities involved in demanding bribes and mistreating Myanmar refugees in Thailand are quickly brought to justice. Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of all the imprisoned refugees. Pray for divine protection and provision for all the asylum seekers from neighboring countries (The Holy Bible, Zechariah 7:9).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
