Human Rights Watch: Myanmar nationals in Thailand face extortion, fear, and legal limbo

Mizzima

A new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) titled “I’ll Never Feel Secure” reveals the widespread exploitation and insecurity experienced by Myanmar nationals in Thailand, highlighting systemic abuses, extortion, and the lack of legal protections since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.

Following the coup and subsequent escalation of violence and humanitarian crises, more than 4 million Myanmar nationals now live in Thailand, nearly half of whom are undocumented. HRW’s investigation found that these individuals, many of whom qualify as refugees under international law, face constant threats of arrest, deportation, and abuse by Thai authorities and brokers.

Thailand, which is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, lacks formal asylum procedures. Although it introduced a National Screening Mechanism in 2023 to provide protection to some migrants, HRW notes the system effectively excludes most Myanmar nationals. Without legal status, many are denied access to healthcare, education, and employment, and are driven into hiding or coerced into exploitative arrangements.