By 
18-03-2026 | Dominik Miklósi | Asia Researcher, Global Human Rights Defence.
Le Chi Thanh, an activist from Viet Nam, was arrested and placed in custody by the immigration police in Thailand following the cancellation of his passport. He now faces the risk of refoulement to his home country at the detention centre, potentially posing a significant threat to his life and freedom.
On March 11th, 2026, human rights organisation Amnesty International published a statement, calling for the urgent release of Le Chi Thanh, a Vietnamese former police officer and anti-corruption activist who is currently detained at Bangkok’s Suan PhluImmigration Detention Centre in Thailand. He was arrested and placed in custody by the immigration police on March 6th, 2026, due to his passport being cancelled by Viet Nam, thus rendering his work authorisation invalid in the eyes of Thai authorities.However, Thanh, who commonly raises his voice against misconduct in the public security sector through social media and faced an extended prison sentence in the past related to his activist engagements in Viet Nam, did not receive prior notification of his passport’s status. According to Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s Co-Regional Director, “[…] The Thai authorities must immediately release Le Chi Thanh and refrain from returning him to Viet Nam, where he could face serious human rights violations […]”.Additionally, she stated that “[…] No one should be returned to a country where they are at real risk of serious human rights violations. Any such return will breach the principle of non-refoulement as laid out in international human rights”.
The core definition of the principle of non-refoulement, which is a cornerstone element of international human rights law, is set out under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted in 1951. Article 33 of the Convention stipulates that no individualshall be returned or expelled to a state where their well-being or safety may be threatened for any reason.
Project88, an organisation that investigates human rights abuses focusing on Viet Nam, noted that Thanh has been living in Thailand for a substantial period after leaving his home country following the end of his prison sentence in June 2025. The activist has been legally employed and faced no administrative issues until his recent arrest. Currently, Thanh’s status and any developments concerning his detention are being monitored.
Thanh’s situation reflects an apparent attempt to threaten and silence those who speak out against the system’s failures. The activist’s story and the potential human rights violations he may endure must not be overlooked by the international community, and immediate steps shall be taken to ensure his safety and protection.
