Thailand: Thousands of Pakistani Christian families fleeing brutal religious persecution have found themselves trapped in Thailand—a country that offers no formal recognition or protection to asylum seekers. Without legal status, these families are forced to live as undocumented migrants, facing constant fear, hardship, and uncertainty. 

Thailand’s immigration laws are unforgiving. Asylum seekers, many of whom have lived in the country for over a decade, are denied the right to work, access healthcare, or enrol their children in school. Regular police raids and the threat of arrest and detention in harsh conditions at the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) hang over them like a shadow. Life in hiding has become a daily reality. 

Despite these grim circumstances, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) remains steadfast in its support for Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand. On 14th June 2025, BACA once again delivered vital aid to 10 vulnerable Christian families through its food grant program. Each family received 1,000 Thai Baht (approximately £25) to help with essentials such as rent, groceries, medicines, and milk for their children. 

Many of these families have lived in limbo for years, patiently waiting for a third-country resettlement that may never come. BACA’s food grant, though modest, provides a lifeline at a time when hope is in short supply. 

The recipients of this month’s grant include: 

Noel Samson (30 yrs) 

Kainat Roger (27 yrs) 

Qasim Sadiq (46 yrs) 

Suleman Rafiq (34 yrs) 

Amir Emmanuel (34 yrs) 

Amir Vincent (52 yrs) 

Adan Allahditta (33 yrs) 

Victor Rehmat (47 yrs) 

Anna Naveen (35 yrs) 

Humaira Latif (30 yrs) 

Noel Samson, who has lived in Thailand since 2012 after fleeing persecution in Pakistan, shared his story. He tragically lost his father, Samson Masih, in 2016 and has since struggled to care for his mother and siblings in exile. Expressing his appreciation, he said: 

“I am thankful to the BACA for it always support us in our difficult times. God bless them.” 

Victor Rehmat, who has endured 12 years of hardship in Thailand, also extended his thanks: 

“We are thankful to the BACA for helping us with £25. God bless them.” 

Repatriation of Uyghurs Raises Concerns for Pakistani Christians 

Recent international attention has focused on Thailand’s forcible repatriation of Uyghur Muslims to China, despite multiple offers from third countries to provide asylum. This controversial move has alarmed the global human rights community and cast a dark shadow over Thailand’s treatment of asylum seekers. 

When questioned, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rebuffed international criticism, stating: 

“China is always committed to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens. The repatriated individuals, who had been detained abroad for a long time, have had their legal rights fully protected according to the law and have returned to normal life.” 

He further asserted that the UN and other nations should “refrain from interfering in national judicial sovereignty”, denying that any international laws had been violated. 

However, the forcible return of vulnerable people to dangerous environments has drawn comparisons to the historical expulsion of Pakistani Christians from Thailand. In previous years, Christian asylum seekers—despite holding asylum status from the UNHCR—have been forcibly detained and deported to Pakistan, where they again faced the threats they originally fled. 

This disturbing precedent has never been fully addressed and remains a constant source of anxiety for the Christian asylum-seeking community in Thailand. Many fear that mass deportations could resume at any moment, particularly as Thai authorities tighten immigration enforcement and relations with authoritarian regimes. 

Through programs like the food grant initiative, BACA stands in solidarity with persecuted believers, advocating for their dignity and survival while pressing governments and global agencies to honour their moral and legal obligations. 

If you would like to support our food grant program or learn more about the plight of Pakistani Christian asylum seekers, please visit our website at: 
? www.britishasianchristians.org 

Donate here today and help us bring hope to those who have nowhere else to turn. 

#BACA #AsylumSeekers #Thailand #UyghurRepatriation #PersecutedChristians #FaithInAction 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, said: 

“It is heartbreaking that so many persecuted Christians remain trapped in a legal limbo, forgotten by the world and criminalised simply for seeking safety. Thailand’s harsh policies leave these families vulnerable to starvation, arrest, and deportation. Our food grant is a small but vital gesture to show them they are not alone — and that their lives matter.”