1708370 (Refugee)

The applicant, a Thai national, sought review of a decision to refuse him a protection visa. He claimed to support the oppositional Red Shirts movement in Thailand and feared persecution upon return due to his political opinion and family associations. The court was required to determine whether the applicant met the criteria for a protection visa, specifically whether he was a refugee within the meaning of the *Migration Act 1958* (Cth) or entitled to complementary protection.

The court considered the applicant's claims of supporting the Red Shirts and his father's past involvement with the movement. It noted inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the applicant's provided information, including his migration history and family details. The court applied the provisions of the *Migration Act 1958* (Cth) concerning the definition of a refugee and the criteria for complementary protection, including the assessment of a well-founded fear of persecution and the availability of effective protection measures in Thailand. The court found that the applicant did not satisfy the criterion for a protection visa.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision not to grant the applicant a protection visa.