By Thanida Piyachot in Bangkok Post
Thailand’s political situation has remained tense since the violent clashes that erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border, which fueled a wave of right-wing nationalism and boosted the military’s popularity. This was followed by the Constitutional Court’s ruling to dismiss Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister, on charges of ethical misconduct, which forced the entire cabinet to step down.
The ensuing power struggle between political parties triggered a new prime ministerial vote, raising concerns that the conservative parties inheriting the National Security for Peace and Order’s legacy might regain power. Meanwhile, some Thais feel disappointed that the policies of the previous government, which were still in the pipeline, have been indefinitely interrupted. These included closely watched initiatives such as negotiations on US tariffs and efforts to resolve the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.
But this is not the only policy development worth watching. At almost the same moment, Myanmar refugees who have lived for four decades in nine camps across four provinces along the Thai-Myanmar border just received rare good news as the Thai cabinet approved measures allowing them to work outside the camps, following pressure from the US funding cuts. Yet, only three days later, the Constitutional Court’s decision ousted the prime minister and her cabinet, followed by the official announcement of the prime minister’s vote on Sept 5. The political turbulence has sparked concern among refugees who had long awaited a hopeful outcome.
In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to speak with refugees in the camps, including a 43-year-old ethnic Karen refugee from Umpiem refugee camp, who has been supporting three children on her own since her husband passed away. She shared how she is waiting with hope for the opportunity to work outside the camp. After the announcement of the new prime minister’s vote, she told me:
“Nobody here has anywhere to go… I’m worried that with the government changing, things about refugees might change too, like the document [legal status] or the chance to work outside. Every time the government changes, I just wonder what’s going to happen next. People here [in the camps] don’t really watch the news since most of us can’t speak Thai well. Whoever’s in power doesn’t feel like it’s about us anyway. For me, I don’t ask for much. Whoever runs the country, that’s up to them. I just want to be able to stay here. What I really worry about is my kids’ future.”
Following the parliamentary vote on Sept 5, Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party has been elected prime minister. During the Covid-19 period, Mr Anutin served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health in the military government, and became known, in good and bad ways, for his management of the pandemic response along the border, citing humanitarian efforts in distributing vaccines to people from Myanmar fleeing conflict, while at the same time fueling nationalist sentiment by blaming Myanmar refugees and migrant workers for spreading the virus.
There is little information on whether the Bhumjaithai Party has any clear policies or commitments regarding the human rights or welfare of refugees. Concerns remain — particularly as the party has gained significant support from right-wing constituencies — over whether its policies will truly align with humanitarian principles in supporting refugees.
Although there have been occasional attempts by conservative forces in Thailand to present themselves as engaged in human rights on the international stage, the government has often backtracked on its commitments to protecting human rights. For example, on Oct 9, 2024, Thailand won a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council. However, just a few months later, on Feb 27, Thai authorities forcibly returned around 40 Uyghur refugees to China.
In Thailand, issues concerning refugees’ rights are officially categorised as matters of “national security” and fall primarily under the supervision of the National Security Council (NSC), chaired by the prime minister. As a result, political leadership plays a crucial role in shaping refugee policy. A clear example is the recent Cabinet resolution permitting refugees in camps to work. Although the initiative was formally proposed by the Ministry of Labour, the decision had to be vetted and approved by the NSC before it was adopted.
Thailand’s repeated political transitions have not only disrupted continuity in governance and undermined investor confidence but have also shaken the trust and hopes of refugees. Their expectations regarding protection, legal status, and protection from repression are low, as each political shift brings fresh doubts over whether policies will move in a more humanitarian — or more repressive — direction.
The government — regardless of which political party or coalition holds power — should uphold democratic principles and ensure full respect for human rights standards. This includes maintaining the commitment to the protection of refugees. Refugee policy must not be dictated by shifting political tides or partisan interests, but grounded in Thailand’s international obligations and humanitarian responsibilities. Mr Anutin must now finally fulfil Thailand’s commitment to its refugee population.
This article was originally published in Bangkok Post.