Bangkok’s New Mystery: A Journalist Goes MIA
Who’s the Missing Man?
Truong Duy Nhat, a Vietnam-born reporter for Radio Free Asia, vanished from the Thai capital sometime around Jan. 26. He was fleeing his home country after a two‑year prison stint for “propaganda against the state” in 2014‑15, and had just applied for refugee status with the United Nations.
Why Is Thailand Under the Spotlight?
- Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn says there’s no official entry record for Nhat, but is investigating a possible illegal arrival.
- Amnesty International claims he was likely abducted right on the streets of Bangkok.
- Human Rights Watch’s Phil Robertson insists the Thai government must act fast to uncover what happened.
International Reactions
- Amnesty’s senior director, Minar Pimple, calls the disappearance “one more sad chapter in Vietnam’s exiles’ story.”
- The UNHCR in Thailand refuses to confirm or deny individual cases, keeping it on the “no‑ma‑po” policy.
- Brother Philippines—Vietnam—has their government on standby for comments, but this holiday period is quiet.
Context: The Broader Refugee Buzz in 2024
Bangkok’s not new to high‑profile refugee drama. Just last month, a Bahraini footballer named Hakeem Al Araibi got arrested at a Bangkok airport, sparking an extradition tug‑of‑war with Australia, where he holds refugee status. Meanwhile, a young Saudi woman—Rahaf Mohammed al‑Qunun—was daunted by family abuse but ultimately resettled in Canada after Thai authorities kept her from being sent back home.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Truong Duy Nhat has taken the headline from “fuss of the Times” to “fear of the Klan.” With Thai officials (or lack thereof) running the show, the case now sits on the overnight line at the airport, watching for any clues that might reveal whether Nhat is safely hidden, in trouble, or perhaps taking a break from journalism for a much‑needed vacation.
