The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRC) has urged state agencies to establish clear guidelines for the treatment of refugee cardholders residing in Thailand.
This is to ensure compliance with the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act and international human rights standards.
Commissioner Wasan Paileeklee raised the issue on Sunday, focusing particularly on Vietnamese holders of UNHCR-issued refugee cards living in Thailand while awaiting third-country resettlement.
The NHRC has observed that although these individuals entered Thailand without permission, the absence of clear procedures and limited awareness among officials about the rights of cardholders can lead to inappropriate or inconsistent practices, he said.
The commission recommended that government agencies, in cooperation with the UNHCR, provide training and develop measures to prevent potential human rights violations.
Mr Wasan also referred to a recent complaint concerning the arrest of 65 Vietnamese Montagnards, including 15 children, by Nonthaburi provincial officials on Feb 23.
The complainant alleged that seven of those arrested were already on bail from the Immigration Bureau and claimed the arrests and detentions might have been unlawful and a violation of their rights.
After reviewing the evidence and testimonies, the NHRC found no indication of torture, coercion or unlawful detention, Mr Wasan said.
He said the officers had informed the detainees of their rights, provided interpreters and legal counsel and properly recorded the arrests under the law.
The NHRC concluded the officials’ actions were carried out under lawful authority and did not constitute a violation of human rights.
Regarding the seven individuals who were already on bail, the NHRC said police later released them, as detaining them again would have amounted to double punishment for the same offence.
As for the 15 children detained with their parents, the NHRC found officials had coordinated with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to ensure their protection and welfare.