Political and Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies: Lao Refugee Shot Dead in Thailand

Exiled Lao political activist killed in Thailand

The killing of exiled Lao political activist, Bounsuan Kitiyano, demands an immediate response from the Thai authorities, says the human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch. Bounsuan’s body was discovered on May 17, 2023, in the Si Mueang Mai district of Ubon Ratchathani province in northeastern Thailand, near the Laos border, with three gunshot wounds. The Thai police reported that he had been shot while riding alone on his motorcycle through the forest. The Thai government was called upon by Human Rights Watch to urgently conduct a credible and impartial investigation into Bounsuan’s death. Bounsuan, aged 56, was a former member of the Free Laos group and had been designated a refugee by the UNHCR. He had also taken part in several protests outside the Lao Embassy in Bangkok, advocating for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

A spine-chilling message

The murder of Bounsuan sends a very strong message to activists or critics of the Lao government that nowhere is safe for them. The worrying news comes in the wake of an incident on April 29, when an unidentified gunman shot and seriously wounded a political activist and online critic of the Lao government, Anousa Luangsuphom, in the capital Vientiane. Moreover, even activists who have managed to flee prosecution in Laos to nearby countries are not safe. Od Sayavong, a leading Lao human rights and democracy activist living in Bangkok, Thailand has been missing since August 2019. The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and three UN special rapporteurs expressed concern with Sayavong’s case on October 1st, 2019.

Thai government’s inaction

The Thai government’s inaction over the attacks against critics and political activists of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar is concerning, says Human Rights Watch. The government consistently fails to respond or prevent violent or murderous acts against the victims. Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, opined that the Thai government’s deference to neighboring repressive governments is taking precedence over its international human rights obligations. The new government in office following the May 14 elections should consider re-establishing Thailand as a refuge-safe country, she adds.

The way forward

Attacks against critics and political activists are unacceptable and must come to an end. Governments must respect the freedom of expression and provide people with the right to speak up against the wrong. In cases where they fear prosecution, refuge-seeking activists must be provided protection under international law, and governments and neighboring countries should take such obligations seriously. Activists should also strive to make themselves heard through legal channels and hold governments accountable when they infringe on people’s basic rights. Lastly, the international community must stand in solidarity with the fight against human rights abuse and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.