Thailand's Forced Repatriation of Dissidents Draws International Condemnation

Human Rights Watch has denounced Thailand's practice of forcibly deporting political dissidents, urging the government to cease such actions to protect individuals seeking refuge from authoritarian regimes. The report, "We Thought We Were Safe," documents 25 cases of forced repatriation and collaboration with neighboring countries to spy on dissidents.

Human Rights Watch has issued a scathing report accusing Thailand of violating international law by forcibly repatriating political dissidents to dangerous home countries. The report, titled "We Thought We Were Safe," analyzed 25 cases between 2014 and 2023, revealing a pattern of violations.

Many of the cases involved the forcible return of Cambodians, with suspected involvement of Cambodian security personnel. However, the report also highlighted cases involving dissidents from Vietnam, Laos, and China, who were "tracked down and abducted" or "forcibly disappeared or killed."

According to the report, Thailand's collaboration with neighboring countries extended to quid-pro-quo arrangements, where Thailand received cooperation in spying on Thai dissidents abroad in exchange for tracking down and returning dissidents. This practice, known as "swap mart," became more prevalent after the 2024 military coup.

Human Rights Watch urges Thailand's new civilian government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, to investigate these allegations and end such practices. The report cites nine cases of Thai activists in Laos and Cambodia who were disappeared or killed in mysterious circumstances, including the mutilated bodies of two activists found floating in the Mekong River.

Associate Professor Francesca Lessa of University College London draws parallels between Thailand's actions and the practices of autocratic governments in Latin America in the late 20th century. She emphasizes that autocratic regimes view dissent as a threat and seek to eliminate it, regardless of the means.

Human Rights Watch Director for Asia Division, Elaine Pearson, believes there is an opportunity for the Srettha administration to differentiate itself from the previous military government and demonstrate its commitment to human rights protection. Pearson notes that Thailand is seeking a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council, which carries responsibilities to uphold human rights.

The report highlights the need for Thailand to fulfill its international obligations and provide protection for political dissidents who seek refuge from persecution. It calls for the government to investigate the disappearance of Thai activists and end the practice of forced repatriation, ensuring that individuals fleeing authoritarianism find safety and sanctuary in Thailand.