Thailand’s Ministries Host Dialogue on CLEAR Sky Strategy Implementation

By

-

2 December 2025, 12:37

clear sky2 — Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

The Department of ASEAN Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, will organise the “Dialogue with Stakeholders: Advancing the Joint Plan of Action of the CLEAR Sky Strategy” on Thursday, 4 December 2025 at the The Riverie by Katathani, Chiang Rai, Thailand, in a hybrid format.

The Dialogue will be presided over by H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

In response to the pressing challenge posed by transboundary haze pollution in the Mekong subregion, the Dialogue aims to engage relevant stakeholders in driving forward cooperation on addressing the issue in Thailand, the Lao PDR, and Myanmar, through tangible and sustainable cooperation under the Joint Plan of Action of the CLEAR Sky Strategy (2024-2030).

clear sky3 — Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

The Dialogue also seeks to strengthen synergy between various sectors concerned, as well as exploring possible cooperation among the ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners and relevant international organisations.

The Dialogue will comprise two panel discussions on “Advancing Sustainable Solutions to Transboundary Haze Pollution under the CLEAR Sky Strategy” and “Enhancing ASEAN, Dialogue Partners and Expert Organisations’ Cooperation in Supporting the CLEAR Sky Strategy”.

These panel discussions will feature various experts, including from the

(1) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand
(2) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Lao PDR
(3) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation of Myanmar
(4) Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore
(5) Ministry of Environment and Forestry Indonesia
(6) Thailand Environment Institute (TEI)
(7) Mekong Institute (MI)
(8) Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage
(9) Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
(10) Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES)
(11) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) , and
(12) GIZ Thailand.

Members of public and press are welcome to join the Dialogue. Please register through the QR Code below.

____________

Russian Couple Arrested for Running Illegal Bungalows on Koh Phangan

By

Khaosod English

-

2 December 2025, 11:19

russian couple phangan3 — Police inspect a Russian suspect beside a motorcycle during a raid on Koh Phangan on Dec. 1, 2025 after complaints about foreigners running illegal rental and lodging businesses.

KOH PHANGAN — Police on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province arrested a Russian couple and a Myanmar woman after authorities found they were running an unlicensed bungalow operation and possibly using a nominee structure to conceal foreign business activities, officials said Tuesday.

Police acted after local residents complained that foreigners were allegedly operating a rental vehicle business without permits. Officers visited a house in Sri Thanu village on December 1 and found Oleg, a 51-year-old Russian national, sitting beneath the home while his wife, Ekaterina, 38, was using a laptop showing a booking calendar for guest reservations, according to Koh Phangan police.

Oleg told officers the couple did not run a rental vehicle business but operated Moon Way Bungalow, handling bookings and responding to guests via WhatsApp from their residence.

russian couple phangan1 — Moon Way Bungalow on Koh Phangan, where Thai authorities say a Russian couple operated an unlicensed seven-room lodging business charging 500 baht ($15.6) per night.

Authorities took them to the property, where officers said they found no hotel or accommodation license posted at the reception area. The couple admitted they were renting out seven rooms for 500 baht (about $15) per night and believed a company registration certificate was sufficient to operate.

Police also found a 21-year-old Myanmar woman, identified as La, working as a receptionist and housekeeper. She told officers she was hired by the couple and paid 15,000 baht ($460) a month.

russian couple phangan2 — A Russian woman is questioned by officers inside her residence on Koh Phangan on Dec. 1, 2025.

Oleg was charged with operating a bungalow business without a license, working in Thailand without permission as a manager, and illegally employing a foreign worker. Ekaterina faces similar charges, while La was charged with working without authorization.

Pol. Col. Apichat Chansamret, chief of Koh Phangan police, said investigators are examining whether the company behind the business was set up as a nominee structure, noting several million baht in transactions over the past year and recent transfers believed to obscure money flows.

All three suspects were handed over to Koh Phangan police investigators for further legal action.

_________

Fierce Myanmar Clashes Spill Into Thailand, Forcing School Shutdown

By

Khaosod English

-

1 December 2025, 23:56

myanmar fight1 — Flames and thick red smoke rise from a Myanmar military bombardment on an opposition base in Myawaddy Township, seen from the Thai side of the border in Mae Sot on Dec. 1, 2025.

MAE SOT — Thai authorities closed a border-area school and tightened security along the frontier with Myanmar after days of fierce clashes across the border sent mortar rounds and stray bullets into Thai territory, officials said Monday.

Major Gen. Maitri Chupricha, commander of the Naresuan Force, ordered all informal border crossings in Tak province shut and suspended the use of local piers amid escalating fighting in Myanmar’s Myawaddy Township. The move came after five mortar rounds of unknown origin landed in Thailand over the weekend, damaging a house and injuring a Myanmar boy, who is being treated at Mae Sot Hospital.

myanmar fight2 — A house in Mae Kon Ken village in Thailand’s Mae Sot district shows damage from stray mortar fire launched during heavy fighting across the border in Myanmar on Dec. 1, 2025.

From late Sunday into early Monday, Thai security agencies received reports that large numbers of Myanmar junta troops armed with heavy weapons had pushed toward anti-regime positions near the Pasak base at the entrance to Min Lapar village in Myawaddy, directly opposite Mae Kon Ken village in Mae Sot district. The fighting sent shrapnel and stray gunfire into the Thai village, damaging six homes but causing no injuries.

Ban Mae Kon Ken School, situated only a few hundred meters from the border, suspended classes indefinitely after stray bullets were found inside the grounds last week. Principal Lt. Thawatchai Saengplaeng ordered the closure as a precaution.

myanmar3 — A house in Mae Kon Ken village in Thailand’s Mae Sot district shows damage from stray mortar fire launched during heavy fighting across the border in Myanmar on Dec. 1, 2025.

Across the border, Myanmar government forces attempting to advance on an opposition stronghold came under heavy machine-gun fire and grenade attacks, prompting troops to respond with mortar fire. Flames and thick red smoke were visible from the Thai side as explosions echoed across Mae Sot.

Some unexploded ordnance and additional stray mortar rounds landed in Mae Kon Ken village, prompting the Naresuan Task Force to fire four illumination rounds from 120 mm mortars as a warning signal to Myanmar forces that heavy munitions had struck Thai soil.

Thai security units — including the Naresuan Task Force, the 35th Ranger Task Force, district officials, Border Patrol Police Company 346, and Mae Sot police — have since strengthened positions along the frontier and are maintaining round-the-clock patrols.

__________

Rescue Team Brings Flood Survivor Pig 1,600 km from Hat Yai to Udon Thani

By

Khaosod English

-

1 December 2025, 20:41

pig hatyai 1 — Boon Rod,” a 60-kilogram pig rescued from Hat Yai’s floods, rests in the back of a rescue team’s pickup truck during the 1,600-kilometer journey to Udon Thani on Dec. 1, 2025.

UDON THANI — A pig rescued from last week’s severe flooding in Hat Yai has been transported more than 1,600 kilometers to a new home in Udon Thani after a volunteer team took pity on the wounded animal and decided to care for it themselves. They named him “Boon Rod,” meaning “Lucky Survivor.”

Volunteers from the Udon Sawang Methatham Foundation were returning from flood relief operations in Hat Yai when they stopped at a gas station in Udon Thani’s Ban Jan subdistrict. In the back of their pickup truck lay the 60-kilogram male pig, tied safely to the truck bed and calmly eating vegetables and bananas.

The team said they found the pig stranded atop a spirit house structure near a school after floodwaters receded. With no owner or agency coming forward to take responsibility, the volunteers decided to rescue it. The animal had cuts on its body and legs, likely from sharp metal or roofing sheets it encountered while swimming to safety.

Saichon Khumsap, a volunteer and temple caretaker from Udon Thani’s Kut Chap district, said he was moved to help after watching television coverage of the Hat Yai flooding. He traveled with the team for nearly two days to reach the city, arriving at 3 a.m. and launching their long-tail boat soon after.

pig hatyai 2 — The stranded pig later named “Boon Rod” clings to a raised structure as floodwaters inundate a Hat Yai neighborhood last week.

Their first tasks involved rescuing residents injured by broken glass in water as deep as two meters. Debris, including wooden planks, mattresses and metal scraps, repeatedly tangled the boat’s propeller or slammed against the hull, making operations difficult, Saichon said.

After completing their missions, the volunteers brought Boon Rod back to Udon Thani, where they plan to care for him permanently.

__________

Thailand Makes Latest Transfer of Chinese Scam Suspects Amid Myanmar Crackdown

By

Khaosod English

-

1 December 2025, 18:58

MAE SOT — China has begun flying home hundreds of Chinese nationals accused of involvement in online scam operations in Myanmar, with the first group of 300 people transported from Thailand on Monday, Thai authorities said.

The group is part of 1,208 Chinese nationals who were transferred from Myanmar to Thailand after Myanmar’s military authorities launched major crackdowns on Chinese-run scam hubs in KK Park, Shwe Kokko and other areas of Myawaddy township.

Myanmar’s operations, which began in October, followed earlier raids that critics say have not stopped many ringleaders from relocating elsewhere.

china scammer tak3 — Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in online scam operations are escorted onto buses at the Mae Sot immigration checkpoint before their repatriation on Dec. 1, 2025.

Security officers and immigration police in Thailand’s Tak province escorted the first batch of detainees from holding cells at the Mae Sot immigration checkpoint to Mae Sot International Airport, near the border with Myanmar. Chinese officials received them there before they were put on chartered flights back to China.

Thai and Chinese authorities conducted joint identity checks and body searches before each person was escorted onto the aircraft by Chinese police. Security around the airport was tightened throughout the operation, which proceeded without incident, officials said.

Multiple charter flights departed for China on Monday, with a total of 6 flights scheduled from December 1 to 4.

china scammer tak2 — Thai and Chinese officers escort scam suspects onto a chartered aircraft at Mae Sot International Airport on Dec. 1, 2025.

The detainees had previously worked in Chinese-run scam compounds across Myawaddy, which Myanmar’s military and allied forces raided in recent weeks, sending many operators fleeing. Myanmar’s military government says it began cracking down on online scams and illegal gambling in early September, but rights groups argue that many ringleaders continue operating in other locations.

In Shwe Kokko alone, a six-day operation beginning November 18 resulted in the arrest of 1,746 foreigners.

Thai authorities said all 1,208 Chinese nationals handed over by Myanmar have already been processed under Thai law and are being repatriated through diplomatic channels. This week’s flights mark another round of multinational cooperation to dismantle transnational scam networks that have flourished along the Myanmar–Thailand border.

maesot kk2 — Smoke billows after an explosion at KK Park online scam center in Myawaddy township, Karen State, Myanmar, November 2, 2025.

Earlier this year, more than 12,500 foreign nationals linked to scam operations were detained, with nearly 10,000 deported through Thailand. Some workers from African countries and other regions told authorities they had been lured to the compounds under false pretenses and were prevented from leaving.

India also sent military aircraft on November 6 and 10 to evacuate its nationals from Mae Sot as Myanmar military forces and the Karen Border Guard Force intensified operations in KK Park starting November 2. The raids included powerful explosions occurring multiple times a day, destroying buildings and facilities in the area.

________________

Flooding Recovery Efforts Underway in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand as Death Tolls Rise

By

Associated Press

-

1 December 2025, 17:48

APTOPIX Indonesia Extreme Weather — People walk along a road in a village affected by a flash flood in Batang Toru, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara)

PADANG SIDEMPUAN, Indonesia (AP) — Over 800 people remained missing Monday after devastating floods killed over 1,000 people last week in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as Indonesia’s president urged more action to confront the changing climate.

The flooding and landslides killed at least 604 people in Indonesia, 366 in Sri Lanka and 176 in Thailand, authorities said.

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto pledged to rebuild infrastructure while visiting areas impacted by floods and landslides on Sumatra island that left thousands homeless and 508 people missing as of Monday.

Some areas of Indonesia remained unreachable Monday after the disaster damaged roads and downed communications lines, with residents in impacted areas relying on aircraft delivering supplies. Flooding displaced 290,700 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh provinces, the National Disaster Management Agency said.

AP25335111554344 — Rescuers recover the body of a flood victim in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ali Nayaka)

Prabowo, who visited North Sumatra on Monday and was expected to West Sumatra and Aceh during the day, said the government’s response is reaching those in need.

“We need to confront climate change effectively,” Prabowo told reporters after visiting survivors. “Local governments must take a significant role in safeguarding the environment and preparing for the extreme weather conditions that will arise from future climate change.”

Sri Lanka authorities said Monday that rescuers are still searching for 370 missing people. Nearly 148,000 people are housed in temporary shelters after being battered in the past week downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides, primarily in the tea-growing central hill country.

AP25333285331409 — A man wades through a flooded road carrying a cat in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Nov, 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

In Thailand, the first batch of compensation payments are set to be distributed Monday, beginning with 239 million baht ($7.4 million) for 26,000 people, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said.

Authorities on Monday worked to clean up streets and restore infrastructure including water and electricity in the southern part of the country where severe flooding affected more than 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people, he said.

The Interior Ministry will set up public kitchens to provide freshly cooked food for affected residents, he said.

AP25334269027788 — Peoples move a car damaged from floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

___________

AIS 5G, MakeMyTrip to Offer Free Tourist SIMs for Indian Travelers Visiting Thailand

By

Mc Marketing

-

1 December 2025, 17:26

AIS 5G, Thailand’s No.1 network, has joined forces with MakeMyTrip, India’s leading OTA platform for hotel and travel bookings, to help drive Thailand’s tourism industry.

By combining the strengths of two industry leaders in communications and travel, the partnership elevates the end-to-end journey for Indian visitors: those who book hotels via the MakeMyTrip website or app and travel to Thailand from now until 31 December 2025 will receive a voucher to redeem a free AIS TOURIST SIM at AIS counters in Suvarnabhumi Airport.

This allows them to instantly connect to Thailand’s fastest AIS 5G network upon arrival and stay fully connected throughout their trip with unlimited 5G/4G data, WhatsApp usage, AIS SUPER WiFi, as well as domestic and international calling services.

Mrs. Benjaporn Kamphet, Head of Special Segment and Prepaid Section of AIS, said: “AIS is committed to leading the way in connecting technology with tourism to deliver the best possible experiences for travelers from around the world. This collaboration with MakeMyTrip marks an important step that reinforces AIS’s strength as Thailand’s No.1 network, ready to meet the needs of Indian tourists – one of the most high-potential markets in Asia.

By combining AIS’s nationwide, high-quality communications technology with MakeMyTrip’s one-stop service for hotel bookings, flights, and online travel packages, we can offer a truly seamless experience in a single journey: from booking accommodation to getting connected the moment they arrive in Thailand.

This partnership will help drive growth and enhance the image of Thai tourism as a ‘destination that is connected anytime, anywhere,’ while supporting the creation of a sustainable travel experience in Thailand.”

Interested travelers can plan their trips via leading OTA platform MakeMyTrip to receive a voucher for a free AIS TOURIST SIM, redeemable at AIS counters at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

They can then subscribe to a 7-day internet package to enjoy 5G/4G data and WhatsApp, along with unlimited AIS SUPER WiFi, plus an additional bonus of THB 30 in free calls for both domestic calls in Thailand and calls back to India, topped up with an extra 30 minutes of special promotion for calls to India. For more information, please visit makemytrip.

Siam Paragon Marks 20th Anniversary with “A Journey of Extraordinary Dreams”

By

Mc Marketing

-

1 December 2025, 16:28

Transforming Every Square Meter into Happiness and Featuring a Star-Studded Lineup Set to Deliver Unmatched Experiences

Siam Paragon, a global landmark destination that also ranks among the world’s most highly regarded and loved by visitors, continues to lead in delivering exceptional experiences that surpass expectations.

This year, the iconic destination is hosting “Siam Paragon 20th Anniversary: A Journey of Extraordinary Dreams,” transforming every corner into a vibrant kingdom of happiness, featuring continuous entertainment, special performances, and spectacular surprises from Thailand’s top artists. The celebration is taking place from November 29–30, 2025.

The event is set to usher in a new decade with a bold vision and unwavering commitment to creating a phenomenon that will redefine the retail real estate development landscape and set the benchmark for the ultimate in extraordinary luxury lifestyle experiences.

The grand opening ceremony on November 29, 2025, welcomed an impressive gathering of business partners, distinguished guests, and celebrities who came together to witness the beginning of Siam Paragon’s new decade. Leading executives of Siam Paragon—including Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham, Ms. Supaluck Umpujh, Ms. Pasinee Limatibul, Ms. Kritsana Umpujh, Ms. Katevalee Napasab, Mr. Suvait Theeravachirakul, Ms. Chadatip Chutrakul, Mr. Kriengsak Tantiphipop, Mr. Prakid Punyashthiti, and Mr. Armando Tolomelli—were also in attendance. The event unfolded in a festive atmosphere filled with joy and unforgettable moments.

The highlight of the celebration was a series of special performances by renowned artists who delivered surprises across every corner of Siam Paragon. A diverse lineup of activities was thoughtfully curated to appeal to all lifestyles and customer groups. Guests were treated to a memorable performance by Tor-Saksit Vejsupaporn at the Hall of Mirrors, while art toy enthusiasts enjoyed an exclusive delight at the “POP LAND Exclusive Festive Event in Thailand,” featuring captivating performances by Tate Myron and Mikey Panitan at POP LAND. Rising star Non Kornnaphat also joined the festivities, adding to the unforgettable moments for fashion and beauty enthusiasts.

For food lovers, Special Time at EATELIER featured engaging appearances by New Thitipoom and POLCASAN on the 4th floor, creating a lively culinary experience. The Extraordinary ME Studio zone further captivated visitors by showcasing the stories of celebrities through a series of inspiring moments. Guests also enjoyed the chance to capture fashion-forward snapshots with VOGUE Magazine, adding a stylish flair to the festivities.

Another major highlight was the exclusive “Siam Paragon 20th Anniversary x PRAEW” event, presented in collaboration with Praew Magazine. The program featured a stellar lineup of top artists and performers who brought smiles and joy through mini-concerts, mini-talks, and the Praew Meet and Read Special session.

The first day kicked off with a series of surprise performances by Lena Lalina and Mew Natcha, Louis Thanawin and Ford Arun and Fluke Nattanon, Big Thanakorn and Park Anantadej, Otto Phachara and Lee Asre, along with artists Kob Flatboy, ICEACE, KJ, and Focus Yanin—setting an energetic tone for the celebrations.

The “Siam Paragon 20th Anniversary: A Journey of Extraordinary Dreams” celebration continues over two full days from 29–30 November 2025, with the second day offering nonstop entertainment throughout the venue. On November 30, an impressive lineup of artists and actors will take the stage to create moments of joy, featuring special performances by Fourth Nattawat, Joong Achen and Dunk Natachai, the boys of ATLAS; Yin Anan and War Wanarat, Chain Natchapol and Boss Natthakit, Kit Ronnakit and Tang Chinadis, Billy Patchanon and Babe Tanatat, Longshi Lee and Arm Chaiphat, Max Kornthas and Nat Natasit; Mos Panuwat and Bank Mondop, Ja Phachara and Tae Weerapat.

The excitement continues with appearances by Patrickananda, Cheriie, Guitar Sarin, EARTHernative, faygo, HOWLS, the SOUNDSLEEP band, the five-member girl group Sugar ’N Spice, boy group LE7EL, and Amazing Boy Thailand.

Siam Paragon has also joined forces with leading retailers to offer exclusive privileges to its valued customers. From 29 November to 10 December 2025, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive array of promotions, special discounts, enticing prizes, and numerous added benefits. With rewards valued at over 25 million baht, the celebration promises an exceptional experience for every customer and every lifestyle. For more information, please visit Facebook: Siam Paragon.

#SiamParagon #SiamParagon20thAnniversary

#BeExtraordinary #LiveExtraordinary #DreamExtraordinary

Southern Thailand Floods Devastate 10,000 Shrimp Farmers, $31M in Damages

By

Khaosod English

-

1 December 2025, 16:22

BANGKOK — Severe flooding across southern Thailand has devastated the region’s shrimp industry, causing more than 1 billion baht (about $31 million) in damage and wiping out production in several provinces, the Thai Shrimp Association said Monday.

Association president Ekapoj Yodpinit said the floods have affected an estimated 10,000 shrimp farmers, with total losses reported in Songkhla, Phatthalung and Pattani. The southern region normally produces about 11% of Thailand’s annual output, or roughly 270,000 to 280,000 tons of shrimp.

Ekapoj said production losses alone are valued at about $15.5 million, but when accounting for destroyed equipment, washed-away feed and juvenile shrimp, and damaged ponds, the total impact exceeds $31 million. He urged the government to launch emergency relief measures so farmers can resume operations.

foreign workers — Migrant workers peel shrimp at a seafood processing plant in Trang province, southern Thailand.

The association is calling for support including new equipment and production materials, zero-interest loans for one to two years, and assistance for farms transitioning to low-carbon production systems. A formal request will be submitted to the prime minister and the Ministry of Agriculture, Ekapoj said.

Ekapoj warned that without rapid rehabilitation, the flooding could have long-term effects on Thailand’s seafood supply chain and exports. Thailand has about 30,000 shrimp farmers nationwide.

Production and market outlook

Thailand’s shrimp output for 2025 is forecast at 270,000 tons, similar to last year. Producers have faced erratic weather, water-quality challenges and disease outbreaks, including white feces disease and white spot syndrome, prompting some farmers to harvest early. Flooding in the south further disrupted the sector.

shrimp1 — Pattani Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center

Shrimp exports from January to October fell 6% in both volume and value from the same period last year amid a global economic slowdown that weighed on demand from Japan, China and the United States.

However, domestic consumption has grown, accounting for about 15% of total production. Prices were strong in the first half of the year but softened slightly later as heavy rains led to early harvesting.

Global context and equipment losses

Global shrimp production for 2025 is estimated at 5.22 million tons, up 4%, with Ecuador and China both increasing output. Thailand’s production is expected to remain stable at 270,000 tons.

Ekapoj said the southern floods damaged not only shrimp ponds but also water aerators, electric motors and other critical equipment. He urged the Ministry of Energy to allocate funds quickly to help farmers replace equipment so they can prepare for the next production cycle.

shrimp2 — Thailand’s shrimp production is expected to remain stable at 270,000 tons.

Push for national agenda status in 2026

The association wants the government to designate shrimp production as a national priority next year to help rebuild the sector and reach a long-term production target of 400,000 tons. Recommendations include boosting support for cold-storage operators, expediting free trade negotiations with the European Union, United Kingdom and South Korea, and upgrading farms to meet international sustainability and certification standards.

Ekapoj said 2026 could offer a major opportunity for Thai shrimp exporters, especially with higher anti-dumping and countervailing duties affecting key competitors like India. Thailand’s tariff rate in the U.S. market remains comparatively low, he said, giving Thai exporters a competitive edge.

“Thailand has been stuck in a 270,000-ton production trap for years because of persistent disease problems,” Ekapoj said. “Next year the global market will be wide open. We must be ready to produce shrimp to seize that opportunity.”

____________

Thailand Extradites a Vietnamese Activist Despite Concerns from Rights Groups

By

Associated Press

-

1 December 2025, 14:35

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai authorities extradited a Vietnamese activist who had been detained in Bangkok since last year despite concerns from rights groups that he could be in danger if sent back to Vietnam.

Y Quynh Bdap, who helped found a group that advocated for the rights of Vietnamese ethnic minorities, was handed over to Vietnamese authorities on Friday and his whereabouts are now unknown, his lawyer Nadthasiri Bergman told The Associated Press on Monday.

“He disappeared from the custody of Thai authorities on Friday, and as of now, we still don’t know his whereabouts,” Nadthasiri said. “This is clearly a violation of Thailand’s anti-torture and enforced disappearance laws.”

The Royal Thai Police did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding Bdap’s extradition.

The Department of Corrections said Friday that it had transferred Bdap from a Bangkok prison to the police after the Court of Appeal upheld a lower court’s order to extradite him to Vietnam in 2024.

Bdap is a 33-year-old co-founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice group. Vietnam has long faced criticism from rights groups for its treatment of the Montagnard minority, a term broadly used to refer to several predominantly Christian ethnic groups living in the central highlands of Vietnam and neighboring Cambodia.

The activist was accused of organizing anti-government riots in Vietnam’s central highland province of Dak Lak in 2023, in which nine people were killed, including four police officers and two government officials.

Bdap denied the charges, saying in a video released shortly before he was detained that he had “absolutely nothing to do with that violent incident.”

“I am a human rights activist fighting for religious freedom and advocating for people’s rights,” he said. “My activities are peaceful, consisting only of collecting and writing reports on human rights violations in Vietnam.”

Bdap went into hiding in Thailand after he was alerted that Vietnamese authorities were making inquires about him, but was detained in Bangkok in June 2024, according to his lawyer. He was convicted in absentia in Vietnam in January on terrorism charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

In total, around 100 people have been tried for alleged involvement in the riots, and 53 have been convicted on terrorism charges.

Days after the verdicts, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang rejected criticism that Vietnam had used the trial as an opportunity to crack down on ethnic minorities.

Human Rights Watch has criticized Thailand for deporting dissidents to uncertain fates in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and China, a practice it describes as a form of transnational repression in return for which other countries send back dissidents wanted by Thailand.

“It is appalling that Thailand has chosen to assist Vietnam in repressing human rights activists. Transnational repression has become a stain on Thailand’s human rights record, especially as a current member of the United Nations Human Rights Council,” said Sunai Phasuk, Asia advisor for Human Rights Watch.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS