Government urged to halt deportation of Chinese refugees

A refugee rights network has asked a Thai parliamentary committee to prevent the deportation of three Chinese refugees to China, warning they face a serious risk of torture and persecution if returned.

The petition was submitted on Thursday 23 July 2026, to the House Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights. The committee is chaired by People's Party MP Rangsiman Rome.

Fortify Rights Executive Director Puttanee Kangkun lodged the request alongside representatives of the Refugee Rights and Stateless Persons Network.

UN recognition and resettlement plans

Puttanee said all three Chinese nationals have already been recognised as refugees by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and possess UNHCR refugee-status documents.

They are also awaiting resettlement in a third country, she said. The network has called on Thai authorities to release them from immigration detention and allow them to travel for permanent resettlement as soon as possible.

Puttanee urged officials not to deport them to China or Hong Kong, saying they could face imprisonment, torture or even execution.

She cited Section 13 of Thailand's Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. The provision prohibits authorities from returning a person to a country where there is a substantial risk of torture, or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Committee to seek information from agencies

The rights network also referred to the international principle of non-refoulement, a customary international law obligation that prevents states from sending refugees or asylum seekers to places where they may face persecution or serious harm.

Rangsiman said the allegations raised concerns and that, if confirmed, a deportation could breach Thai law. Since the three people have UNHCR refugee status, he said Thai authorities must proceed carefully, considering domestic law as well as international legal obligations and humanitarian principles.

The parliamentary committee will investigate the circumstances and request information from all relevant agencies before deciding whether further action is needed, he added.

The committee's inquiry will focus on whether the proposed removals comply with Thailand's anti-torture law and the non-refoulement principle.

Join the discussion?

24 July 2026

View full article