Thailand is a prime tourist destination, a favorite for pleasure seekers around the world. But that's not why nearly 10,000 Pakistanis have ended up in Bangkok, most of them living an underground existence.

Pakistan is one of the most dangerous nations for religious minorities. Thailand is one of the few countries that allow Pakistanis easy entry as tourists. With the United Nations certifying refugees from the lengthy conflict in neighboring Myanmar, persecuted Pakistanis started arriving four years ago seeking resettlement in the West.

Alas, the U.N. offered false hope. The typical refugee waits years just for an interview, the first step to receiving official refugee status. So far, not one has moved on to America or anywhere else.