Myanmar Refugees Fear Repatriation as Malaysia, Thailand Shift Policies

Myanmar refugees in Malaysia and Thailand fear forced return as host nations shift policies. New deportations and diplomatic moves raise concerns over safety.

Editorial Desk

September 24, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — As Southeast Asian nations adjust their policies toward Myanmar, thousands of displaced refugees are growing increasingly anxious about the possibility of being sent back to their homeland.

Refugees like 54-year-old Mohamed Sadek, who fled Rakhine State to Malaysia nearly two decades ago, and 39-year-old Lele Khine, who left Tanintharyi for Thailand three years ago, now face uncertainty about their future. Both express deep fears that their safe havens may soon disappear.

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Recent developments have seen Malaysia announce plans to repatriate 5,000 Myanmar refugees, with the first group of 1,476 set to leave on September 29. Meanwhile, Thailand has taken steps to normalize relations with Myanmar, including a recent visit by Myanmar’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, and a crackdown on undocumented communities that could lead to more deportations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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