In a grave accusation, Fortify Rights, a human rights organization, claimed on Thursday that members of the Thai military tortured and killed a Myanmar man earlier this year in a border district between Thailand and Myanmar. This incident has cast a spotlight on Thailand’s handling of human rights issues involving migrants and refugees from Myanmar, amid ongoing scrutiny by global watchdogs.
According to Fortify Rights, Aung Ko Ko, 37, was detained by four Thai soldiers in the Mae Sot district, located along Thailand’s western border, on January 12. His alleged crime? Wearing a uniform associated with a Thai village security force. Three soldiers reportedly beat Aung Ko Ko with a long wooden stick during an intense interrogation, causing severe bruising and bleeding, which ultimately led to his death just hours later. The claims are supported by eyewitness testimony, photographic evidence, and an autopsy report, according to Fortify Rights.
“The horrific torture and killing of Aung Ko Ko cannot be allowed to go unanswered. The soldiers responsible for this should be brought to justice without delay,” said Matthew Smith, CEO of Fortify Rights, underscoring the urgency of accountability and justice in cases involving migrant rights abuses. This sentiment reflects growing concerns over the treatment of Myanmar nationals in Thailand, particularly those who cross the border in search of safety.
Fortify Rights’ report includes troubling details beyond the death of Aung Ko Ko. According to the organization, another Myanmar national, identified only as Sirachuch, 24, witnessed the beating and was subsequently convicted of manslaughter in connection with Aung Ko Ko’s death. He has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison, a ruling Fortify Rights has condemned as a “miscarriage of justice” and an apparent attempt to divert responsibility away from the soldiers involved.
“We believe that Aung Ko Ko’s tragic death highlights an ongoing pattern of impunity in Thailand for violence committed against migrants and refugees,” Fortify Rights stated in their report. The organization called for a reversal of Sirachuch’s conviction and a thorough investigation into the actions of the soldiers.
In response to the allegations, the Thai military has stated it is conducting an investigation. Major General Thanathip Sawangsang, an army spokesperson, told reporters, “We are in the process of investigating and looking for the facts, but Thailand has always given priority and importance to human rights, equally to everybody.” This response comes amid growing criticism of Thailand’s record on human rights, particularly concerning migrant workers and refugees from Myanmar, who often find themselves vulnerable in a system that lacks protections specific to their circumstances.
The current crisis in Myanmar has its roots in a military coup that took place in February 2021, overthrowing the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, the country has experienced widespread unrest, with ethnic armed groups and the anti-junta resistance fighting against the military regime. This conflict has driven thousands of people across Myanmar’s 2,400-kilometer border with Thailand.
Many refugees and migrants live in precarious conditions in Thailand, a nation that is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. This policy limits Thailand’s obligations to recognize and protect refugees, making the legal status of many Myanmar nationals uncertain. An estimated 90,000 people live in refugee camps along Thailand’s western border, according to the United Nations, while countless others live under the radar in urban and rural areas. The Thai government considers most of these individuals as illegal migrants rather than refugees, creating an environment where abuse and exploitation can occur with minimal oversight or recourse.
This incident is not the first instance in which Thai authorities have been accused of mistreating migrants. Thailand has faced criticism in the past for its handling of Rohingya refugees, an ethnic Muslim minority group facing persecution in Myanmar. Many Rohingya, attempting to flee violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, have been pushed back out to sea by Thai authorities when their boats reach Thai waters. The Thai government has also been criticized for detaining migrants in overcrowded facilities, where poor living conditions and inadequate healthcare contribute to significant hardship.
As Thailand grapples with a steady flow of people escaping violence in Myanmar, the lack of clear protections for refugees and migrants continues to be a contentious issue. Thailand’s policy of treating all incoming Myanmar nationals as undocumented migrants, rather than granting refugee status, exacerbates their vulnerability to human rights abuses.
Human rights groups and activists have repeatedly called for the Thai government to address these issues by reforming its policies toward migrants and refugees. The alleged killing of Aung Ko Ko and the subsequent conviction of Sirachuch are seen by activists as symptoms of a deeper, systemic issue in Thailand’s approach to human rights. These groups argue that impunity for abuses against vulnerable populations perpetuates a dangerous cycle of violence and neglect.
Matthew Smith emphasized that Thailand’s inaction on this issue has broader implications for the region, saying, “What happens in Thailand can set a precedent for other countries dealing with migrant crises. Accountability is crucial not only for the individuals affected but for the integrity of the entire human rights framework in Southeast Asia.”
The situation has garnered international attention, with some diplomatic bodies and NGOs urging Thai authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into Aung Ko Ko’s death and ensure justice is served. There are also calls for Thailand to consider ratifying international agreements, such as the UN Refugee Convention, that would create a legal framework for protecting refugees and regulating their treatment within the country.
According to Fortify Rights, the allegations surrounding Aung Ko Ko’s death highlight a troubling pattern of human rights abuses in Thailand, specifically targeting migrant and refugee communities. Activists argue that without adequate legal protections, these communities remain at heightened risk of mistreatment, with limited means to seek justice. This pattern, they contend, fosters a culture of impunity within Thai security forces and emboldens individuals to act without fear of accountability.
Fortify Rights and similar organizations are working to draw international attention to these patterns, hoping to spur not only immediate responses to cases like Aung Ko Ko’s but also long-term policy changes. Legal experts suggest that enacting and enforcing human rights policies would be crucial steps in mitigating the risk of future abuses.
In light of recent events, human rights advocates have renewed their calls for Thailand to adopt more robust protections for migrants and refugees. For instance, they argue that Thailand should establish a legal distinction between economic migrants and refugees to create policies specific to each group’s needs. Thailand could also develop new training programs for its military and security forces to prevent abuses and instill respect for human rights principles.
As Thailand’s borders continue to serve as a passageway for refugees and migrants fleeing violence and economic hardship in Myanmar, the Thai government is under increasing pressure to address its treatment of these vulnerable populations. By committing to transparency and accountability, Thailand has the opportunity to improve its human rights record and reduce the risk of further incidents like Aung Ko Ko’s death.
