The military regime Friday defended its decision to repatriate Myanmar refugees but said there are no set timetables for the repatriation yet.
"The safety and dignity [of refugees] is vital," it said in a press release. "Further discussions are needed with all relevant partners including the United Nations High Committee on Refugees."
NGOs in the region had originally voiced concern over safety and logistics in repatriating nearly 130,000 refugees to Myanmar. The refugees have been sheltering in Thailand for nearly three decades after escaping from bloody sectarian conflicts and civil war.
The issue of repatriation surfaced when coup leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a televised address on July 11 that talks had been held between the two governments over the issue.