A U.S. - based human rights organization is accusing Thailand of endangering the lives of Burmese refugees.
A new report from Human Rights Watch condemns Thailand for denying asylum to new refugees from Burma -- a policy that began last month. It also accuses Thailand of regularly deporting hundreds of Burmese migrants every month. The report says refugees face harsh punishment if sent back to Burma.
Human Rights Watch official Brad Adams charged in a news release that the Thai government has cracked down on the refugees in order to build profitable business and diplomatic ties with the Burmese military regime.
The Associated Press quotes a Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying his government has always upheld humanitarian principles.
Information for this report is provided by AP.