Thai police to stop background checks on Muslim students

PHOTO: Chiang Rai Times

Thailand’s Special Branch police have agreed to drop their request for universities to provide them with background information on Muslim students.

Thai PBS World reports that Rangsiman Rome, spokesman for the House Committee on Laws, Justice Process and Human Rights, says Special Branch has communicated their decision to the committee.

Mr Rangsiman says Muslim students have long considered the checks an infringement on their human rights and adds that the House Committee has in the past asked Special Branch for details of the information they’re looking for and the reasons they need it.

He adds that Special Branch only ever provided a vague response, using the excuse that the information had to be kept confidential for reasons of national security.

The House Committee will now work with police to ensure they keep their word and drop the requests for background information.

Mr Rangsiman says the committee values the safeguarding of human rights and that members will visit the southernmost provinces at the end of the month to discuss any concerns with local representatives.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World