London: On 4th September 2025, BACA provided food grants to 10 vulnerable Pakistani Christian asylum-seeking families in Thailand. 

Trapped without legal status, these families face daily risks of arrest, detention, and deportation under Thailand’s flawed refugee policies. 

Juliet Chowdhry criticised Thailand’s National Screening Mechanism for offering “image over protection” while welcoming new work rights for Myanmar refugees. 

She urged equal compassion for Pakistani Christians, while BACA continues giving what help it can, reminding them they are not forgotten. 

Compassion Beyond Borders: BACA’s Lifeline in Thailand 

On 4th September 2025, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) extended vital support to 10 Pakistani Christian asylum-seeking families in Thailand through its ongoing 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. 

Relief from BACA brings hope to Maria Asif and her children 
Stranded in Limbo 

Thousands of Pakistani Christians fleeing persecution have sought refuge in Thailand. Yet, Thailand does not formally recognise asylum seekers, leaving them in a state of perpetual uncertainty. 

Without legal status, these families cannot work, access healthcare, or enrol their children in school. Instead, they are forced to live as undocumented migrants—constantly at risk of arrest, detention, and deportation. Regular police raids and the fear of being confined in the notorious Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) have made life extremely precarious. For many, hiding has become a way of survival. 

In 2023, Thailand launched its National Screening Mechanism (NSM), presented as a breakthrough in refugee protection. In reality, it has protected only a handful of people. By labelling applicants as “aliens” or “displaced persons” instead of refugees, Thailand sidesteps obligations under the Refugee Convention. The NSM offers only temporary refuge with hopes of third-country resettlement, while appeals are limited and implementation painfully slow. 

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

“The NSM prioritises Thailand’s security and international image over genuine protection. It restricts appeals, denies permanent rights, and even strips people of the dignity of being called refugees. Families are living with the consequences every day.” 

This year, Thailand also lifted a decades-long ban on work rights for 80,000 long-term Myanmar refugees in border camps. The move followed U.S. aid cuts and was seen as a way to reduce dependence on food handouts while filling labour shortages. For many, it finally offers a chance of stability and dignity. 

Juliet Chowdhry welcomed this decision but urged the Thai government to show the same compassion to Pakistani Christian asylum seekers, who remain detained or face deportation. 

“If Myanmar refugees can be granted the dignity of work and stability, persecuted Christians from Pakistan should be afforded the same. Anything less is selective protection. That is why we have written to the Thai Government and the Bangkok UNHCR office calling for urgent reform.” 

Thousands of Pakistani Christians fleeing persecution have sought refuge in Thailand. Yet, Thailand does not formally recognise asylum seekers, leaving them in a state of perpetual uncertainty. 

Without legal status, these families cannot work, access healthcare, or enrol their children in school. Instead, they are forced to live as undocumented migrants—constantly at risk of arrest, detention, and deportation. 

Regular police raids and the fear of being confined in the notorious Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) have made life extremely precarious. For many, hiding has become a way of survival. 

BACA’s Lifeline of Support 

Despite these grim conditions, BACA continues to stand alongside these forgotten families. The Food Grant Program, though modest, offers them a lifeline—easing the pressure of everyday survival and reminding them that they are not alone. 

This month’s grant was distributed among: 

Arif Henry 

Maria Asif 

Anna Asif 

Humaira Latif 

Shabana Afzal 

Amir Vincent 

Haneef Albert 

Afzal Abdul 

Roman Haroon 

Monica Ramla 

All the recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support. 

Amir Vincent, aged 53, shared his appreciation: 

“I am very thankful to BACA for their support. It came at a time when I needed it most.” 

Amir Vincent expresses gratitude as he receives help from BACA 

After years—often more than a decade—of waiting in limbo for third-country resettlement, such aid brings not only relief but also renewed hope. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of British Asian Christian Association, said: 

“Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand live under constant fear and without basic rights. Our support may be small, but it reminds them they are not forgotten. Each gift brings dignity, hope, and the reassurance that their global Christian family stands with them in their suffering.” 

A Call for Equality 

Juliet Chowdhry added: 

“We welcome Thailand’s recent decision to grant long-term Myanmar refugees the right to work after decades in camps. But Pakistani Christian asylum seekers are being denied the same rights, leaving them in perpetual fear and insecurity. If Myanmar refugees can work and support their families, so too should Pakistani Christians be allowed the dignity of work and safety. This is a test of Thailand’s commitment to real humanitarian protection.” 

How You Can Help 

BACA’s Food Grant Program depends entirely on the generosity of supporters like you. Each gift, however small, makes a tangible difference to families living in limbo without hope of state assistance. 

 Donate today to help us continue providing food and essentials to vulnerable Pakistani Christian asylum seekers in Thailand.