A refugee rights network has appealed to Rangsiman Rome, urging the Legal Commission to pressure the Thai government not to repatriate three Chinese refugees holding UNHCR cards, fearing they may face torture or abduction. They warned that forced return could violate the enforced disappearance prevention law.
On 23 July 2026, Rangsiman Rome, Chairman of the Legal, Justice and Human Rights Commission of the House of Representatives, received a complaint letter from Ms. Puttanee Kangkan, Director of The Fort organization, along with representatives from the Refugee and Stateless Rights Network (CRSP). They requested an investigation and suspension of the deportation of three Chinese refugees—Mr. Zhang Xinyan (56 years old), Mr. Bai Zhaodong, and Mr. Tan Yixiang—back to China or Hong Kong. All three have been recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and are awaiting resettlement in a third country. Currently, they face the risk of forced return by Thai authorities, which could lead to arrest, ongoing human rights violations, or even threats to their lives.
Such forced repatriation may violate Section 13 of the 2022 Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearances, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they risk torture or inhumane treatment. It also contravenes the non-refoulement principle under international law. Therefore, the commission is urged to promptly investigate and coordinate the release of all three from immigration detention centers.
Rangsiman Rome said the commission is closely monitoring the case and considers it deeply concerning. He noted that the Torture and Enforced Disappearance Prevention Act was enacted through efforts by the previous Legal Commission to protect human rights regardless of nationality.
State officials must exercise special caution since these refugees have been recognized by the UNHCR. Returning them would not only violate humanitarian and international law principles but could also expose Thai officials to potential breaches of domestic law. The commission will expedite fact-finding and invite relevant agencies for discussions to ensure no laws or human rights are violated.
