Thai Court Orders Extradition of Vietnamese Activist Despite Rights Concerns

A Thai court has ordered the extradition of Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, detained in Bangkok, despite concerns from rights groups. Convicted in absentia for anti-government activities in Vietnam, Bdap now has 30 days to appeal. Rights groups fear for his safety if he is sent back to Vietnam.

A Thai court on Monday ordered the extradition of Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, detained in Bangkok since June, despite fears from rights groups about potential dangers upon his return to Vietnam.

The Bangkok Criminal Court granted Vietnam's request for Bdap's extradition. He was convicted in absentia in January for allegedly organizing anti-government riots in Vietnam's central highlands last June. Bdap now has a 30-day window to appeal the ruling, and the Thai government also has the option to not enforce the order for diplomatic reasons.

Rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have long criticized Vietnam's treatment of the Montagnard minority—a predominantly Christian group from the central highlands and Cambodia—and raised concerns about the risks Bdap would face if sent back. Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director, Bryony Lau, emphasized the serious risks, urging Thai authorities to release Bdap and uphold Thailand’s legal obligations.

(With inputs from agencies.)