Thailand can’t turn a blind eye to a child's rights

This file photo shows villagers living along Thai-Myanmar border hiding as the Myanmar military attacks ethnic rebel groups. Many refugees have sought shelter in Thailand recently. (Photo by 35th Special Task Force Ranger Regiment)

A hasty decision by the Thai authorities to remove 126 stateless children from a school in Ang Thong province and deport half of them to Myanmar has caused a moral stir.

The operation followed a police raid at Pa Mok-based Thairath Wittaya 6 School last month, which rounded up the students, aged 6-16, for repatriation through Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district. Police also slapped the school director with a human trafficking charge.