In a press conference just a few days later, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad confirmed that the repatriation of Ms Praphan had taken place at the request of Thai authorities. Such a response by the prime minister, whose own political party publicly committed to ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention just over a year ago, represents a disturbing approach that is at absolute odds with the most fundamental elements of international refugee law. On Feb 8, 2018, Thailand was again involved in the extradition process of a refugee who had escaped persecution. In comparison to the cases against Ms Praphan and Sam Sokha, Araibi's case was almost farcical. Refugee status afforded by the UNHCR or by a sovereign government must be recognised and respected.

Source: Bangkok Post May 22, 2019 23:11 UTC