10/30/2018 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – Thousands of Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand are on pins and needles following a decision by the Thai government to start deporting individuals back to Pakistan. This threat of deportations comes as a part of a wider crackdown on asylum seekers who Thai authorities view as illegal immigrants.
An estimated 2,500 Pakistani Christians have fled to Thailand to seek asylum. Persecution and extreme discrimination in Pakistan are the main reasons these Christians have fled. Many Christian asylum seekers fear being returned to Pakistan because of direct threats on their lives or the lives of loved ones.
On October 9, Thai authorities arrested and detained more than 100 Pakistani Christians in a series of raids. Like hundreds of others arrested before them, these Pakistani Christians are detained in terrible conditions by Thai authorities in Immigration Detention Centers (IDCs).
According to sources, this recent crackdown is a part of a zero tolerance policy that has been enacted by the newly appointed head of Thai Immigration Bureau.
For interviews with William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
