The United States has criticised Thailand for deporting more than 160 ethnic Hmong back to Laos, saying it fears they might be persecuted.

A State Department spokesman in Washington says Thailand has the right to prevent illegal immigration.

He says the Thai government, however, should ensure that those with a genuine claim to refugee status are not returned to an uncertain fate.

The spokesman pointed to allegations of human rights violations in Laos combined with Vientiane's refusal to permit monitoring of returnees, saying the allegations "cause concern about the well-being of those who were deported."

The Lao Government has confirmed that the Hmong were sent back across the border by Thailand over the weekend.

The United Nations has also expressed deep concern over the deportation.

Source: www.radioaustralia.net.au/