A United Nations human rights expert and multiple press freedom organizations have urged Thailand to refrain from deporting a detained Chinese journalist back to China, citing concerns over his safety and risk of persecution.
Bai Zhaodong, an investigative journalist known for exposing widespread corruption and financial fraud involving officials in China, fled the country in November 2023 after facing persecution, according to Andrea Bolanos Vargas, the UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders. Bai has been held in Thai immigration detention since January 2026, with authorities reportedly preventing him from leaving Thailand.
Press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and nearly 60 other rights organizations issued a statement on Friday warning of Bai’s “imminent risk of deportation.” They highlighted that China issued an arrest warrant for Bai in September 2024 on charges of extortion, which they described as fabricated. The groups emphasized that forcibly returning Bai to China would violate Thailand’s international and domestic legal obligations, including those related to non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they risk torture or persecution.
Chinese authorities have maintained that Bai is wanted for extortion and bribery. At a regular news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed that an extradition request had been submitted to Thailand, expressing hope that Bai would be returned soon.
The situation has raised significant concerns among human rights advocates regarding Thailand’s role in upholding protections for individuals at risk of political persecution. The detained journalist’s case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by dissidents and investigators fleeing repressive measures in China. Thailand’s decision on whether to proceed with the extradition request remains pending.