The IRF Community and the Southeast Asia Working Group are circulating a letter addressing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They urge the Thai government to refrain from extraditing Y Quynh Bdap, a Montagnard Christian and human rights defender, to Vietnam, where he faces the risk of torture and mistreatment. The letter outlines Y Quynh Bdap’s history of persecution for advocating religious freedom and his established role in promoting human rights through Montagnards Stand for Justice in Thailand. It argues that extraditing him would violate both international and Thai laws against refoulement and would contradict Thailand’s commitment to human rights. It highlights concerns from UN experts about Vietnam’s repression of exiled advocates, warning that compliance with the extradition request could set a dangerous precedent for transnational repression in the region.

Informative Sources:

• Experts alarmed by possible extradition of refugee and human rights defender Y Quynh Bdap from Thailand to Vietnam | OHCHR

• Bangkok Post - Court approves extradition of Vietnamese activist

• Thai Court Orders Extradition of Christian Activist to Vietnam - International Christian Concern (persecution.org)