Fresh calls for soccer refugee's release

Melbourne-based refugee footballer Hakeem AlAraibi remains behind bars in Thailand despite Australia ramping up pressure on the Southeast Asian nation to release him.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne met with her Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai and Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Prajin Juntong on Thursday in Bangkok, where she continued to lobby for AlAraibi's freedom.

"We are very concerned about his detention, very concerned about any potential for return of Mr AlAraibi to Bahrain," Senator Payne told reporters in Bangkok.

"I have reiterated those concerns to both ministers."

AlAraibi has been held in Thailand since November when he was arrested over an Interpol Red Notice warrant issued by his native Bahrain while on holiday.

Senator Payne said the semi-professional soccer player had been visited a number of times by Australian officials, with legal proceedings ongoing.

"The Thai government is most certainly aware of the importance of this matter to Australia," the minister said.

Ahead of official talks in Bangkok, Australia was urged to put maximum pressure on the Thai government to let AlAraibi return safely to his adopted home.

Human Rights Watch's Australia director Elaine Pearson accused Thailand of having an appalling record of collaborating with authoritarian regimes.

"We are certainly concerned about why the Thai government is prioritising the relationship with the kingdom of Bahrain over its relationship with Australia," Ms Pearson told reporters.

Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster said the "very brave" man should be returned to Australia.

AlAraibi played in the National Premier League Victoria for semi-professional Pascoe Vale last year.