UN human rights experts have urged Thailand to halt the possible extradition of Chinese journalist Bai Zhaodong, warning he could face persecution, torture and other serious rights violations if returned.
United Nations human rights experts have called on Thailand to prevent the possible extradition of Chinese journalist and human rights defender Bai Zhaodong to China, warning that his return could expose him to persecution, torture and other serious human rights abuses.
In a press release, the experts urged Thai authorities to uphold the principle of non-refoulement, which bars countries from transferring individuals to places where they face a genuine risk of persecution or other serious harm.
Bai left China in 2023 after allegedly facing persecution over his human rights activities and was subsequently recognised as an asylum seeker. The UN experts said he has been held in Thai immigration detention since January 21, 2026, despite having completed a two-month prison sentence imposed in March for immigration-related offences.
The experts noted that Bai’s planned resettlement to a safe third country was reportedly blocked on two separate occasions. They also expressed concern that Chinese authorities have formally requested his extradition.
”Immigration status alone cannot justify prolonged deprivation of liberty. Human rights defenders seeking international protection must not be returned to countries where they are at risk of facing persecution, torture or other irreparable harm,” the experts said.
The statement also highlighted concerns over Thailand’s recently approved draft regulations introducing a unified and expedited deportation process for foreign nationals. The Thai Cabinet approved the framework on July 14, 2026.
While recognising the right of governments to manage migration, the experts said any deportation system must contain strong human rights protections. These should include access to asylum procedures, individual assessments of the risks faced by those being deported, effective judicial review with suspensive effect, and strict compliance with the principle of non-refoulement.
Without such safeguards, the experts warned, the new regulations could heighten the risk of asylum seekers, refugees and human rights defenders being forcibly returned to countries where they may face persecution or other serious violations.
With inputs from agencies
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