Geneva, 5 August, 2026.- UN experts* today expressed grave concern over the continued detention of Chinese journalist and human rights defender Bai Zhaodong in Thailand and the risk of his forcible return to China, due to the persecution and repression he suffered at the hands of the Chinese authorities, as a consequence of his human rights activities.
«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.
Bai fled China to Thailand in 2023 following alleged persecution and repression linked to his human rights work and is recognised as an asylum seeker. He has reportedly remained in immigration detention since 21 January 2026, despite completing a two-month sentence for immigration-related offences issued in March 2026. His resettlement to a safe third country was reportedly prevented on two occasions, and Chinese authorities have since requested his extradition.
The experts noted with concern the Thai Cabinet’s approval of draft regulations establishing a unified and expedited procedure for the deportation of foreign nationals on 14 July 2026. “While States may regulate migration and removal procedures, any new framework must fully incorporate international human rights safeguards, including access to asylum procedures, individualised risk assessments, effective judicial review with suspensive effect, and full respect for the principle of non-refoulement.”
The experts stressed that without such safeguards, the new framework could increase the risk of refoulement of asylum seekers and refugees including human rights defenders facing persecution.
“The new deportation framework must not be applied in a manner that circumvents asylum procedures or facilitates the return of persons at risk of persecution or torture,” they said.
The experts expressed concern about reports of Bai’s deteriorating health and inadequate access to medical care while in detention.
“Any decision concerning Mr. Bai’s return to China must fully respect Thailand’s international human rights obligations, including the prohibition of refoulement,” they said.
‘’No one should be returned to a country where there are substantial grounds for believing they may face persecution or other serious human rights violations.’’
The Special Rapporteurs urged Thai authorities to ensure that Bai Zhaodong has access to effective legal remedies, due process guarantees, adequate medical care and protection from arbitrary detention. “Any transfer must be halted until all protection concerns have been thoroughly and independently assessed.”
The experts remain in contact with the Government of Thailand regarding this matter.