# Thailand Approves Limited Asylum Claims in Initial Year of Program

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/politics/163891-thailand-approves-limited-asylum-claims-in-initial-year-of-program
- Published: 2024-09-21T18:33:24+07:00
- Author: Carlos Fuitzer

**Rights advocates report Thailand’s slow progress in implementing its asylum program,
which remains underutilized due to fears among potential applicants of police exposure
and the program’s restrictive eligibility criteria.**

BANGKOK — Rights advocates highlight Thailand’s slow progress in implementing an
asylum program aimed at vulnerable refugees amid rising cross-border repression 
in Southeast Asia. Many potential applicants fear exposing themselves to the police
and face risks if they come forward. Currently, Thailand does not officially recognize
refugees and categorizes anyone without valid documentation as illegal migrants.

ADVERTISEMENT

The National Screening Mechanism (NSM), introduced last September, offers “protected
persons status” to those unable to return home due to persecution fears. However,
only a few applicants have been granted asylum under the program, with many still
awaiting decisions. Human rights organizations express concerns over the program’s
narrow eligibility rules and the government’s broad discretion to reject applicants
based on national security.

Advocates urge the Thai government to enhance awareness of the NSM, hire more interpreters,
and shift responsibility to the Interior Ministry for a more humanitarian approach.
Despite its flaws, many view the NSM as a small but positive step in providing some
level of protection for refugees in Thailand. Once approved, refugees can remain
legally, enjoying protection from forced returns.

### Related**Posts**

###  󠀁[Prime Minister Anutin Congratulates Nene Royal on ‘AGT’ Triumph](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/entertainment/331069-prime-minister-anutin-congratulates-nene-royal-on-agt-triumph)󠁿

###  󠀁[Thailand Emphasizes Maritime Boundary as a Key Focus in UNCLOS Talks](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/cambodia/329235-thailand-emphasizes-maritime-boundary-as-a-key-focus-in-unclos-talks)󠁿

###  󠀁[BRICS leaders call for restraint as trade and energy security move to centre stage](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/politics/328422-brics-leaders-call-for-restraint-as-trade-and-energy-security-move-to-centre-stage)󠁿

###  󠀁[Anutin and Blair Talk About Thailand’s Economic Transformation](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/national/328673-anutin-and-blair-talk-about-thailands-economic-transformation)󠁿

**Source** : [Thailand grants few asylum claims in first year of program](https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-grants-few-asylum-claims-in-first-year-of-program/7793119.html?rand=157030)