Thai opponent kidnapped in Cambodia, Human Rights Watch

Text by: RFI Follow

In Cambodia, a pro-democracy activist from Thailand in exile was kidnapped on June 4 in the capital Phnom Penh, according to several sources quoted by human rights defenders. If the kidnapping is proven, it would not be the first disappearance of a political opponent or activist in Southeast Asia.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Phnom Penh,Juliette Buchez

Wanchalearm Satsaksit was near his home in Phnom Penh when a group of armed men forced him into a vehicle on Thursday evening, June 4.

The pro-democracy activist fled Thailand in 2014 following the latest military coup led by current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha . Affected by a Thai arrest warrant since June 2018, Wanchalearm Satsaksit continued to vehemently criticize his government from Cambodia.

A survey requested

In a statement supported by several witnesses, Human Rights Watch said it was very worried about the pro-democracy activist and asked for an investigation to be launched as soon as possible. Cambodian authorities seem, however, unwilling to investigate.

A Cambodian police spokesperson told Reuters that he was unaware of the arrest or detention of the Thai activist and added that the police would not have enough information to initiate an investigation. Questioned by AFP, the Cambodian Interior Ministry even mentioned the possibility of "  fake news  ".

“The abduction of a prominent #Thai political activist on the streets of Phnom Penh demands an immediate response from #Cambodia. The #Cambodian govt should urgently act to locate Wanchalearm and ensure his safety ”

More from @HRW here: https://t.co/3dtDzMzjKc

The kidnapping would not be the first suspicious disappearance in recent years in Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia. According to human rights organizations, eight Thai activists have been missing since 2014, two of whom were found dead in January. These organizations also frequently criticize the extraditions of political opponents and asylum seekers organized between the states of Southeast Asia.

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

• Cambodia
• Thailand

On the same subject

Thailand

Thailand: Junta opponent accused of sedition charged

Thailand

Thai army accuses opponents of sedition after comments on the south

Thailand

Thailand: three anti-monarchy activists missing