Bangkok: The government insists that the repatriation of Chinese nationals from Myanmar will be carried out in accordance with the law. Government spokesman reiterates that the Thai government has carried out immigration checks in accordance with the law, collecting history and biometric data to prevent re-offending, confirming that there is no 'VIP' method.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangtrakul, spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the news report accusing Thai authorities of allowing the Chinese side to pick up Chinese individuals involved in online scams without going through Thailand's screening and immigration process is not true. He emphasized that the individuals in question were a group of Chinese nationals sent from Myanmar to travel back to China. The Thai government conducted immigration operations under Thai law, specifically under Section 12 and Section 22 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and amendments, which denied entry and required the immediate departure of this group from the Kingdom, in full compliance with Thai law.
The group of Chinese nationals underwent immigration processes and had their biometric data collected to prevent them from reoffending or using Thailand as a transit point in the future. These actions are an exercise of Thai sovereignty and conducted by officials in line with relevant laws and regulations.
"I would like to reiterate that there is no urgent return to the VIP country whatsoever. In addition to complying with Thai law, it is also an agreement with China to deal with Chinese nationals," the government spokesman stated.