​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Thailand on Wednesday of excesses and racketeering targeting Myanmar refugees.

A 48-page report illustrated that Thai police routinely stop, question and extort Myanmar nationals with the threat of arrest and detention if they do not pay bribes, particularly in places near the border like the town of Mae Sot.​​​​​​​

HRW reported Thai security forces racketeering through semi-structured extortion schemes, by offering unofficial “police cards” in exchange for money to avoid arrest, according to the refugee interviewed by the rights group.

HRW said more than 4 million Myanmar nationals, including Rohingyas and other ethnic groups, have sought refuge in Thailand, trying to escape violence, persecution, a collapsing economy and aid blockages. Nearly half are undocumented.

Meanwhile, 97% of the Rohingya refugees remain undocumented, according to a March 2024 report from the Mixed Migration Centre.

HRW urged the Thai government to adopt laws that define clear procedures and criteria for granting refugee status and asylum, in line with international legal standards and applied equally to all nationalities.

It also suggested a temporary protection framework for Myanmar nationals.

There was no immediate reaction from Thai authorities.