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Thailand pledges to soften harsh refugee policies


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Posted

Thailand pledges to soften harsh refugee policies

By The Thaiger

 

rahaf_mohammed.jpg

PHOTO: Toronto Star

 

Thailand’s immigration chief is pledging an upgrade of the country’s draconian treatment of refugees following the intense international media coverage of the young Saudi woman’s attempt to seek asylum.

 

Rahaf Mohammed became the biggest international story across the world for a week after being intercepted during a transit stopover in Bangkok, on her way to Australia, and was immediately prepared for deportation back to Saudi Arabia.

 

Following the 19 year old’s Twitter stream, as she barricaded herself inside her hotel room, Thai authorities were forced into damage control as the woman’s plight shed light on the harsh treatment of people arriving or transiting through the Kingdom in the hope of seeking asylum.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-pledges-to-soften-harsh-refugee-policies

 
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-- © Copyright The Thaiger 2019-01-18
Posted
29 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

"pledges" = nothing will happen.

You beat me to it, but sadly, how true.

Posted
8 minutes ago, Cadbury said:

Big Joke Surachate seems to be trying to redeem himself

He's not called Big Joke for nothing . . . but only joking, my chocolatey chum.

Posted
3 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Are Brexit refugees welcome anywhere ????

No, that's a clear case of somnamnaa, stay on your island. Toodeloo!

Posted
4 hours ago, ChipButty said:

I'll become a Refugee instead of a Retiree 

But then better pick Germany. Pays you the most and won't even ask for ID. 

  • Like 1
Posted

So can I now claim to be a refugee escaping Donald Trump in America? And no more need to renew my retirement visa?......Could the Brits claim to be a refugee from Brexit ?..........Hey a refugee is a refugee is a refugee......Right?

  • Haha 1
Posted
3 hours ago, Cadbury said:

Big Joke Surachate seems to be trying to redeem himself and Thailand after making a goose of himself by initially seeming to side with Saudi Arabia and the family of the girl.

All this while accusations and denials were being made as to how diplomats were allowed inside the sterile immigration area and her passport being seized. When the media began asking questions Big Joke's flip-flopping started. 

The EU being great defenders of human rights will have been watching this circus and probably confirming in their minds that Thailand is not yet ready for a Free Trade Agreement.

 

"The EU being great defenders of human rights will have been watching this circus and probably confirming in their minds that Thailand is not yet ready for a Free Trade Agreement."

 

Which EU country offered to take the Saudi girl? 

So much for the great human rights defenders. I guess they all know that she can be a handfull to deal with after her Twitter storm. Europe got enough problems with the nos. they got.

  • Like 1
Posted

As far as foreigners or refugees go, Thailand has an appalling record of treatment.

Most countries of the world except immigrants as a bonus, they wish them to assimilate into the society and bring in welcome labour and new ideas, giving them assistance during the early stages to make the transition as smooth as possible. After a short period they offer residency as a way to encourage them to make roots and stay.

Thailand has the opposite approach, they want you to remain forever a "short-term tourist" 

Work permits are only given for a very limited type of work as apposed to allowing you to do whatever you like or are actually qualified to do. They see you as opposition and not new blood.

Expats are treated as cash cows, you're allowed to stay here if you have certain cash flows but still need to do 90 day check-ins like some kind of criminal.

Residency they say is offered but the criteria needed almost certainly excludes most as does the charge for application, (most countries give residency for free)

Thailand has a long way to go to improve the situation but it's draconian laws are far from those needed in a modern world.

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