Hong Kong pro-democracy activist detained in Thailand 'at China's request'

Thailand on Wednesday barred entry to a Hong Kong student activist who helped organize pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled city in 2014, with his supporters blaming China for the move

5 October 2016, 8:11am

2 min read

China's Foreign Ministry said Wong was detained because it had "noticed the relevant reports"

Joshua Wong, the 19-year-old pro-democracy student activist, has reportedly been detained by Thai authorities in Bangkok following a request from China and will shortly be flown back to Hong Kong, according to the political party he heads.

Wong’s political party Demosistō posted on Facebook that he had travelled to Bangkok after being invited to speak at the city’s Chulalongkorn University about his campaign for democracy.

However Netiwit Chotipatpaisal, the Thai student-activist who was due to meet Wong in Bangkok, notified the party that Wong has been detained at Suvarnabhumi airport.

“According to Chotipatpaisal, the Thai authorities have received a letter from the Chinese government earlier regarding Wong’s visit. His request to see Wong, who is still currently in custody, has also been declined,” the Demosistō post said.

“Demosistō strongly condemns the Thai government for unreasonably limiting Wong’s freedom and right to entry, and requests the immediate release of Wong. In the meantime, we request the Hong Kong immigration department’s assistance in assuring Wong’s safety.”

The Thai Foreign Ministry said in a statement that permission for Wong to enter Thailand "involves various factors". It added that it was standard practice for the airline involved in flying an individual to a place to take him or her back if denied entry.

Wong took an Emirates flight from Hong Kong on Tuesday night and arrived in Bangkok just before midnight local time.

China's Foreign Ministry, when asked by Reuters news agency about Wong's detention, said it had "noticed the relevant reports".

Thai officials reportedly said they were under orders not to speak to the media about why Wong had been refused entry.

Immigration officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport confirmed to Reuters that Wong was prevented from entering Thailand and would be sent back to Hong Kong.

"China respects Thailand's exercise of immigration control according to the law," it said in an email.

Hong Kong citizens can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.