Thailand to allow Myanmar refugees in only if lives are threatened: Anutin

BANGKOK – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday that Thailand would provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing fighting in Myanmar but would generally not allow them to enter and stay in the country unless they faced serious threats to their lives.

Speaking at Government House at 15.40 following a National Security Council (NSC) meeting, Anutin said authorities had been instructed to prepare humanitarian assistance in the event that people fleeing the conflict crossed into Thailand.

The instructions were issued to relevant agencies, including the governor of Tak province and authorities in Mae Sot district, which borders Myanmar.

However, Anutin said those seeking refuge would be returned to Myanmar when circumstances permitted.

The prime minister said an assistant army commander-in-chief had reported that no one had crossed the border into Thailand in connection with the latest situation.

He added that the NSC had assessed security conditions along the border and determined that, unless people faced severe threats to their lives, they would generally not be permitted to enter Thailand for temporary shelter.

Anutin stressed that Thailand would continue providing humanitarian assistance according to the circumstances.

The remarks come amid continued clashes between Myanmar’s military and resistance forces in Karen State, near the Thai border.

In recent weeks, ammunition from fighting on the Myanmar side has crossed into Thai territory on several occasions, raising concerns about security along the border.

The Thai government has maintained that humanitarian assistance would be provided where necessary, while decisions on allowing displaced people to enter and remain in Thailand would depend on the severity of the threat they faced.