Picture courtesy of Amnesty International

 

Thai authorities have extradited Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, who had been detained in Bangkok since June 2024, despite warnings from rights groups that he could face danger in Vietnam. His lawyer, Nadthasiri Bergman, confirmed on 1 December, that Bdap’s whereabouts are currently unknown following the handover on Friday.

 

Bdap, 33, co-founded the Montagnards Stand for Justice group advocating for the rights of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. He went into hiding in Thailand after being alerted that Vietnamese authorities were investigating him and was later detained in Bangkok. In January 2025, he was convicted in absentia in Vietnam on terrorism charges related to alleged anti-government riots in Dak Lak province in 2023, which resulted in nine deaths, including four police officers and two government officials. Bdap has denied any involvement, stating in a video before his detention that his work was peaceful, focusing on human rights reporting and advocacy.

 

The Court of Appeal in Thailand upheld a lower court ruling in 2024 ordering his extradition, after which the Department of Corrections transferred him from prison to the police for handover. Human Rights Watch has condemned Thailand’s action, citing a pattern of deporting dissidents to uncertain fates in countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and China, describing it as “transnational repression.” Sunai Phasuk, Asia advisor for Human Rights Watch, said: “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.”

 

Vietnamese authorities have previously faced criticism for their treatment of the Montagnard minority, who are predominantly Christian and reside in the central highlands. Following the January 2025 trials, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang rejected claims that the proceedings targeted ethnic minorities. In total, around 100 people were tried for alleged involvement in the Dak Lak riots, with 53 convicted on terrorism charges.

 

Khoasod reported that Bdap’s lawyer and rights groups have raised concerns that his extradition may violate Thailand’s anti-torture and enforced disappearance laws. Thai authorities, including the Royal Thai Police, have not responded to inquiries regarding the case. The activist’s current situation and safety remain unknown, drawing continued attention from international human rights organisations.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai authorities extradited Y Quynh Bdap to Vietnam despite human rights concerns.

• Bdap, co-founder of Montagnards Stand for Justice, denies involvement in 2023 riots.

• Human rights groups warn his extradition may violate anti-torture and disappearance laws.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod: 2025-12-02

 

 

Human Rights in Thailand.. after the Ughurs to China and several more other cases.... Is this Buddhism?? compassion? but this is Thailand of course their own rules and religion which only be used if they fit

Seems like much the same situation with the 'hilltribes' in Thailand. Wasn't there a Canadian (?) guy married to a Hmong (?) girl fighting for hilltribes' right. He was either deported or forced to flee.

 

Completely nonviolent political activism is a known danger in authoritarian countries. Nevertheless, there is some s*hit we cannot eat.