Myanmar refugees fear forced returns as Malaysia and Thailand tighten policies

Malaysia's Home Ministry confirmed that 1,476 Myanmar refugees, whose ethnicities were not disclosed, are scheduled to depart on Sep 29 aboard two Myanmar Navy warships and a hospital ship, marking the start of a program to return 5,000 individuals. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim linked the repatriation to an invitation for Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing to discuss trade and friendship. Meanwhile, Thailand intensified its engagement with Myanmar, culminating in a raid on a Karen community in Kaeng Krachan National Park that resulted in 28 arrests and plans to deport 26 people.

A newly passed Thai law now permits swift deportation of foreigners who breach domestic rules, raising concerns among human-rights groups about forced returns. The United Nations refugee agency reports roughly 193,824 Myanmar refugees in Malaysia and over 90,000 in Thailand, many of whom fear that returning home would expose them to conscription or violence. Both governments claim the repatriations are voluntary and that Myanmar will ensure safe, dignified returns, but refugees remain skeptical.