Thai Policy toward Burmese Refugees and Migrants

I. Introduction

II. New Thai Policies toward Burmese Refugees and Migrants

Broadening of Resettlement Opportunities

Suspension of New Refugee Admissions

The "Urban" Refugees

Crackdown on Burmese Migrants

Forging Friendship with Rangoon

History of Burmese Refugees in Thailand

III. Expulsion to Burma

Informal Deportees Dropped at the Border

The Holding Center at Myawaddy

Into the Hands of the SPDC

Profile: One of the Unlucky Ones-Former Child Soldier Deported to Burma 16

Increasing Pressure on Migrants

IV. Protection Issues for Urban Refugees

Impacts of the Move to the Camps

Profile: Burman Former Political Prisoner 22

Suspension of Refugee Status Determination

Profile: Karen Former Combatant 25

Security Issues for Refugees in Bangkok

Profile: Po Karen Widow Who Had to Flee Burma without Her Four Children 28

V. Attempts to Silence Activist Refugees

VI. New Visa Rules: Screening Out the "Troublemakers"

VII. Conclusion

VIII. Recommendations

To the Royal Thai Government

To the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

To Donor Governments

To the Burmese Authorities

Appendix A: Timeline of Arrests and Intimidation of Burmese Activists in 2003

Appendix B: Timeline of Harassment of NGOs in 2003

Appendix C: Timeline of Arrests and Harassment of Burmese Migrant Workers in 2003

Acknowledgements