China lauds Thai decision to repatriate two activists

[webfact]

DEPORTATION
China lauds Thai decision to repatriate two activists
WASAMON AUDJARINT
THE NATION

Prayut dismisses international criticism and says he acted in national interest

BANGKOK: -- DESPITE international criticism, Thailand was right to repatriate two Chinese activists last week as they are citizens of China and they committed a crime, the Chinese ambassador to Thailand said yesterday.

"Obviously, the two activists overstayed in Thailand and violated immigration rules," Ning Fukui said in an interview with Suthichai Yoon, adviser to The Nation's editorial board.

"Since they are Chinese citizens, they had to be returned to China. This is normal-security cooperation between Thailand and China."

The Thai government's decision to repatriate the two Chinese activists, Dong Guangping and Jiang Yefei, prompted international criticism, notably from the US and the United Nations, as the two were recognised by the United Nations High Commis-sioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday defended his government's decision to repatriate the two activists as arrest warrants had been issued for them in Beijing.

"We don't arrest anybody and send them back. But the two illegally entered Thailand and we have to arrest and send them back to the country of origin, which requested extradition," he said.

He said the UN did not understand the situation and wanted Thailand to grant them shelter for a few days as persons of concern. But "that was impossible", he said.

Prayut said he did not mind the reaction of the international community as he made the decision for the stake of the national interest. "We did this for the benefit of Thai people in accordance with Thai laws," he said.

Glyn Davies, the US ambassador to Thailand, raised the matter during a meeting with Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan on Tuesday yesterday. He said Washington was deeply disappointed over the Thai decision. He said the activists should not have been sent to China as they might face prosecution and torture.

But Ning said: "To me, some outsiders' concerns over the issue are unreasonable."

Possibly in response to Davies' concerns that the activists might be prosecuted and tortured, Ning insisted the activists would be treated fairly. "China is a legal state and we will process everything legitimately," he said.

He said China had not received sufficient evidence that the two men had been recognised as refugees by the UNHCR. "But we strongly hope that the UNHCR will not bring Chinese law violators into the political agenda."

This is not the first time this year that Thailand has obliged Beijing by deporting people of interest to the Chinese government. In July, Thailand forcibly returned more than 100 Uighurs to China.

Ning said the Chinese government never pressed the Thai government to do that.

This action came at a price for the Thai government. The Thai Consulate in Istanbul was attacked by the Turkic community in Turkey, who were angry at the treatment of the Uighurs. The August 17 bombing of the Erawan Shrine was also believed to be connected to the repatriation.

The governments of Thailand and China said the minorities had to be returned to China as they were involved in human trafficking. Some of them were victims and some were traffickers.

"I think that both governments, much like the rest of the world, promise to combat human trafficking. That's why we alarmingly … cooperated to manage the Uighur people who had allegedly [illegally] entered Thailand," the Chinese ambassador said. "China will treat those people fairly and legitimately. Concerns over the issue are unreasonable."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/China-lauds-Thai-decision-to-repatriate-two-activi-30273666.html


-- The Nation 2015-11-25

[englishoak]

The UN is not my father.................... China is.

[Ireland32]

Chailand Coming Soon...

[webfact]

PM defends the repatriation of two Chinese activists



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha reiterated today (Tuesday) that the repatriation of two Chinese activists back to China was done properly in accordance with the laws as there were warrants for their arrest from China.

“So when there were warrants for their arrest, we had to send them back,” he explained, adding that it was not possible for the government to find a new home for the two activists in just a few days because of their status as Persons of Concern.

He said that his explanation about the case was based on facts to create a better understanding. He said he didn’t mind if other people did not understand his explanation but it would be just fine if the Thai people understood what his government did to protect national interest.

The prime minister further said that the government had asked the Chinese government to make sure that the two repatriated activists should not be subjected to mistreatments.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-defends-the-repatriation-of-two-chinese-activists


-- Thai PBS 2015-11-25

[z42]

Yeah the Chinese have great concern for human rights, and would never put people in harms way. Just think about when focusing on their policy of people who manage to escape the hellish conditions in North Korea.
Wel firstly China doesn't recognize them as refugees, and knowing full well about the existence of gulags where more often than not the poor souls that get sent back end up for a number of years.
It is very sad that the brass here are trying to defend the indefensible, and then pass it off like it is kosher and that China will look after them. I'm sure it's taking very good care of them, in a padded cell somewhere.... Very sad

[craigt3365]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Govt-under-fire-for-deporting-dissidents-30273351.html

The authorities forcibly returned Dong Guangping and Jiang Yefei on the weekend, despite the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) informing key government agencies on November 10 that the two had been accepted for refugee resettlement in a third country. "Thailand's forced return of these two rights activists into harm's way in China after being explicitly told that they were refugees is cruel as well as unlawful," said Sophie Richardson, HRW's China director.

"These actions blatantly contradict the pledge to uphold rights the prime minister made before the UN General Assembly. It's deeply alarming, if not surprising, that the junta's deference to abusive neighbours takes priority over the rule of law."

Returning the two refugees to China - where they are at risk of persecution, arbitrary detention and possibly torture - constitutes refoulement, which is prohibited under customary international law and violates Thailand's obligations under Article 3 of the Convention against Torture, the HRW said.

[Linky]

The more spin they put on it the more despicable it is.

[Bluespunk]

"Since they are Chinese citizens, they had to be returned to China. This is normal-security cooperation between Thailand and China."

That's correct.

China says what will happen and then it happens.

Perfectly normal cooperation.

[spidermike007]

"Obviously, the two activists overstayed in Thailand and violated immigration rules," Ning Fukui said in an interview with Suthichai Yoon, adviser to The Nation's editorial board.

"Since they are Chinese citizens, they had to be returned to China. This is normal-security cooperation between Thailand and China."

​Translated accurately, we are very powerful, and we have a lot of cash and influence. We want Thailand and other countries to be at our beck and call, and do everything we request of them. Thailand was a good boy. They did as they were told. We like the new government, as they comply with our every wish, and it is not the same hassle we have when dealing with those pesky democracies. We are essentially a dictatorship, and we prefer dealing with other dictators. Of course we are going to execute these two, as we did with all of the Uighurs that were sent back dutifully by Thailand, in the past.

Ning Fukui is a coward representing a tyrant, and Thailand is their lapdog.

Edited November 25, 2015 by spidermike007

[craigt3365]

One of the activists sent back still has scars from his abuse during his previous detention in China. Sick that anybody would send somebody back for more of the same.

[oneday]

1 country lauds it and 195 don't.

Look ma, I learned a new word..."laud".

[waldroj]

Despite what the junta and their northern buddies would have you believe, I think the situation is best summed up in a quote made by British politician Dianne Abbott.

She said "You can't defend the indefensible - anything you say sounds self-serving and hypocritical".

[spidermike007]

One of the activists sent back still has scars from his abuse during his previous detention in China. Sick that anybody would send somebody back for more of the same.

it is the very definition of cowardice, in the face of power. That combined with a lack of moral fiber.

[DrTuner]

Here you go boy, have a bone.

[Srikcir]

“So when there were warrants for their arrest, we had to send them back,”

INCORRECT!

As per the 2009 Extradition Treaty between The Kingdom of Thailand and the People's Republic of China, Article 3 "Grounds for Mandatory Refusal," extradition shall not be granted in any of the following circumstances:

1) the Requested Party considers the offence for which the request for extradition is made by the Requesting Party as a political offence. Reference to a political offence shall not include the taking or attempted taking of the life or an attack on the person of a Head of State or a Read of Government or a member of his or her family;

(2) the Requested Party has well—founded reasons to suppose that the request for extradition made by the Requesting Party aims to institute criminal proceedings against or execute punishment upon the person sought on account of race, religion, nationality or political opinion of that person, or that the position of the person sought in judicial proceedings will be prejudiced for any of the reasons mentioned above;

(3) the offence for which the request for extradition is made is exclusively an offence under military law of the Requesting Party and does not constitute an offence under criminal law of that Contracting Party;

(4) the prosecution or the execution or Punishment for the offence for which extradition has been sought has become barred by reason prescribed under the law of either Contracting Party including a law relating to lapse of time;

(5) the Requested Party has passed judgment upon the person sought in respect of the same offence, before the request for extradition is made.

Either Prayut didn't bother to check the provisions of this treaty or the decision to extradite was simply a personal decision made under his authority as Chief of the NCPO using Article 44 of the Interim Charter, ie., in order to protect the Junta's relationship with China. In either case he needs to drop the pretension that he is just following a rule of law.

[JohnnyJazz]

What the fuss about ? Is there anything new here beside the fact that Thailand is helping China the same way it helps the USA ?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/02/05/a-staggering-map-of-the-54-countries-that-reportedly-participated-in-the-cias-rendition-program/

Edited November 25, 2015 by JohnnyJazz

[JohnnyJazz]

And to answer the critics about detention conditions in China, I don't believe that Guantanamo is affiliated to the Club Med either

[craigt3365]

What the fuss about ? Is there anything new here beside the fact that Thailand is helping China the same way it helps the USA ?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/02/05/a-staggering-map-of-the-54-countries-that-reportedly-participated-in-the-cias-rendition-program/

Can't really compare the two. These were peaceful activists recognized by the UN as refugees. The CIA program was for hardened and violent criminals.

Not trying to defend the CIA program as I'm against it, but you're comparing apples to oranges.

[LannaGuy]

a disgusting act but not surprising as I rarely see Thais even consider ethics

Edited November 25, 2015 by LannaGuy

[bim]

What the fuss about ? Is there anything new here beside the fact that Thailand is helping China the same way it helps the USA ?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/02/05/a-staggering-map-of-the-54-countries-that-reportedly-participated-in-the-cias-rendition-program/

Can't really compare the two. These were peaceful activists recognized by the UN as refugees. The CIA program was for hardened and violent criminals.

Not trying to defend the CIA program as I'm against it, but you're comparing apples to oranges.

One countries activist is another countries terrorist. So what treatment would Edward Snowden or Julien Assange get at the hands of the US? Hypocrites.

[baboon]

Still waiting to hear about how China should get its own house in order and quit meddling in Thailand's affairs. That brigade are awfully quiet at the moment for some reason...

[craigt3365]

What the fuss about ? Is there anything new here beside the fact that Thailand is helping China the same way it helps the USA ?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/02/05/a-staggering-map-of-the-54-countries-that-reportedly-participated-in-the-cias-rendition-program/

Can't really compare the two. These were peaceful activists recognized by the UN as refugees. The CIA program was for hardened and violent criminals.

Not trying to defend the CIA program as I'm against it, but you're comparing apples to oranges.

One countries activist is another countries terrorist. So what treatment would Edward Snowden or Julien Assange get at the hands of the US? Hypocrites.

Both Snowden and Assange would be tried according to published laws and with full transparency. No torture, no intimidation of their families. Luckily, in the US, we have freedom of the press. These horrific acts would hit the media as anybody who saw these acts committed would be paid big money by the major media outlets. LOL In China, they'd also be thrown in jail if anything was said. Understand? Not hypocrites at all.

You do know what "crimes" these human rights activists committed, right? Attending a peaceful rally and publishing cartoons critical of the Chinese government. And were tortured because of it. A bit different from what Snowden did.

[bim]

What the fuss about ? Is there anything new here beside the fact that Thailand is helping China the same way it helps the USA ?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/02/05/a-staggering-map-of-the-54-countries-that-reportedly-participated-in-the-cias-rendition-program/

Can't really compare the two. These were peaceful activists recognized by the UN as refugees. The CIA program was for hardened and violent criminals.

Not trying to defend the CIA program as I'm against it, but you're comparing apples to oranges.

One countries activist is another countries terrorist. So what treatment would Edward Snowden or Julien Assange get at the hands of the US? Hypocrites.

Both Snowden and Assange would be tried according to published laws and with full transparency. No torture, no intimidation of their families. Luckily, in the US, we have freedom of the press. These horrific acts would hit the media as anybody who saw these acts committed would be paid big money by the major media outlets. LOL In China, they'd also be thrown in jail if anything was said. Understand? Not hypocrites at all.

You do know what "crimes" these human rights activists committed, right? Attending a peaceful rally and publishing cartoons critical of the Chinese government. And were tortured because of it. A bit different from what Snowden did.

The US has cannot preach to anyone about torture when they are to this day complicite in it. Not one Gitmo inmate has faced trial. Why? What do they have to hide? And as the self proclaimed leaders of the free world need to start acting like it. Yep I have seen US freedom speach whereby peaceful demonstrations are ruthesly tackled by Police. Look at the occupy wall street movement. I am not defending China. These people should never have been sent back by Thailand. But lets see the whole picture and not one where the US or any other country in the west can preach human rights until they get there own house order.

[spidermike007]

“So when there were warrants for their arrest, we had to send them back,”

INCORRECT!

As per the 2009 Extradition Treaty between The Kingdom of Thailand and the People's Republic of China, Article 3 "Grounds for Mandatory Refusal," extradition shall not be granted in any of the following circumstances:

1) the Requested Party considers the offence for which the request for extradition is made by the Requesting Party as a political offence. Reference to a political offence shall not include the taking or attempted taking of the life or an attack on the person of a Head of State or a Read of Government or a member of his or her family;

(2) the Requested Party has well—founded reasons to suppose that the request for extradition made by the Requesting Party aims to institute criminal proceedings against or execute punishment upon the person sought on account of race, religion, nationality or political opinion of that person, or that the position of the person sought in judicial proceedings will be prejudiced for any of the reasons mentioned above;

(3) the offence for which the request for extradition is made is exclusively an offence under military law of the Requesting Party and does not constitute an offence under criminal law of that Contracting Party;

(4) the prosecution or the execution or Punishment for the offence for which extradition has been sought has become barred by reason prescribed under the law of either Contracting Party including a law relating to lapse of time;

(5) the Requested Party has passed judgment upon the person sought in respect of the same offence, before the request for extradition is made.

Either Prayut didn't bother to check the provisions of this treaty or the decision to extradite was simply a personal decision made under his authority as Chief of the NCPO using Article 44 of the Interim Charter, ie., in order to protect the Junta's relationship with China. In either case he needs to drop the pretension that he is just following a rule of law.

Fact checking? Why would we do that when our super powerful and rich neighbor makes a request. Never mind that it negates all moral laws. Never mind the fact that they will both be instantly executed. Never mind our other friends and neighbors. Never mind anything. China is big! And we lack moral courage.

Besides, we do things similar to the way things are done in the US. It is not about human rights or doing the right thing. It is always about economic expedience.

Edited November 25, 2015 by spidermike007

[craigt3365]

Please stick to the topic. This is about China, Thailand and 2 activists.

[Ulic]

There is no longer such a thing as torcher. It is "enhanced interrogation" good in the USA so it

must be good for the rest of the world as well. Just ask George, Dick and Rummy.

[lavender19]

Chailand Coming Soon...

What do you mean?

Coming.

[DM07]

"Who's a good boy? Uuuuuh, who's a good boy? You are Thailand! You are a good boy!"

[spidermike007]

Still waiting to hear about how China should get its own house in order and quit meddling in Thailand's affairs. That brigade are awfully quiet at the moment for some reason...

Where does one start, when it comes to China getting its house in order? How about lets start with organ harvesting of prisoners.

China's hospitals are harvesting the body parts of thousands of political prisoners and removing their vital organs while they are still alive, according to a harrowing documentary exposing the horrific state-sanctioned practice.

Doctors and medical students working in state-run civilian and military hospitals take up to 11,000 organs a year from donors under no anaesthetic to supply China's lucrative "organs on-demand" transplant program, say a network of invesitgators comprised of international researchers, doctors and human rights lawyers attempting to end the macabre abuses.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/chinas-gruesome-live-organ-harvest-exposed-in-documentary-20150407-1mgabb.html

How about exposing corruption at the top of the food chain? They have been good at exposing corruption with some very small fish. What about the ruling committee?

Nearly 22,000 offshore clients with addresses in mainland China and Hong Kong appear in the files obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Among them are some of China’s most powerful men and women — including at least 15 of China’s richest, members of the National People’s Congress and executives from state-owned companies entangled in corruption scandals.

http://www.icij.org/offshore/leaked-records-reveal-offshore-holdings-chinas-elite

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-01-21/chinas-epic-offshore-wealth-revealed-how-chinese-oligarchs-quietly-parked-4-trillion

The ranks of China’s ultra-wealthy in its legislature swelled 20 percent this year, highlighting the vested interests that may oppose any measures by incoming President Xi Jinping to reduce the nation’s wealth gap.

Ninety members of the National People’s Congress are on a list of China’s 1,000 richest people published by the Shanghai-based Hurun Report, up from 75 last year, according to a review of the data by Bloomberg News. Everyone on the Hurun list had a fortune of at least 1.8 billion yuan ($289.4 million), more than former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-06/china-s-richer-than-romney-lawmakers-show-xi-s-reform-challenge

I could go on for days, discussing the places where this most heinous of government could start to reform itself. The list is endless

[Bluespunk]

What the fuss about ? Is there anything new here beside the fact that Thailand is helping China the same way it helps the USA ?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/02/05/a-staggering-map-of-the-54-countries-that-reportedly-participated-in-the-cias-rendition-program/

Can't really compare the two. These were peaceful activists recognized by the UN as refugees. The CIA program was for hardened and violent criminals.

Not trying to defend the CIA program as I'm against it, but you're comparing apples to oranges.

One countries activist is another countries terrorist. So what treatment would Edward Snowden or Julien Assange get at the hands of the US? Hypocrites.

Assange needs to face his rape charges in Sweden first.......

Edited November 25, 2015 by Bluespunk