BANGKOK. Sept 8: Amnesty International launched a blistering attack today on Thailand's treatment of asylum -seekers and other refugees. urg*t>g the government to halt forced repatriation, reports AFP.

In a report received in Bangkok, the London-based human rights organisation al leged that some refugees had been subjected to beatings and extortion as well as unjustified detention.

It also criticised Thailand for falling (o establish any procedures for determining refugee status, meaning there is "no opportunity to have their claims for asylum examined by the authorities."

"It is a disgrace that asylum-

seekers In Thailand — who have fled from their own countries often In fear, for their Ilves — are treated no differently from migrants working without a permit, or tourists who have overstayed on a visa." Amnesty International said

The organisation said that refugees frorti Myanmar, the largest single group In Thailand. faced increasingly harsh treatment in Thailand as well as forcible repatriation to an area where they are at even greater risk.

Il called for an Immediate halt to forced repatriations In general and to deportations to the Haiookhanie refugee camp on the Myanmar side of the Ixirder In particular