A UN-recognised Chinese refugee, detained by Thai authorities for an alleged illegal stay since May 2026, was prevented from departing for Canada despite having an approved resettlement agreement. On 8 July 2026, Zhang Xin Yan was intercepted at Suvarnabhumi Airport while preparing to board her flight. Although Canada had already approved her application, issued a visa, and secured her travel, Thai immigration officials forced her to cancel the flight and returned her to the Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Centre.
During a court hearing on 16 July 2026, a Thai Immigration Bureau representative testified that the resettlement was halted at the direct request of the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok. The Embassy sent a letter on 7 July 2026 demanding a delay, alleging her behaviour was damaging to China but providing no supporting evidence.
Because Zhang is wanted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law for her involvement in the overseas-based “Hong Kong Parliament” in addition to other acts of dissent in China, she faces a high risk of arbitrary detention and an unfair trial should she be forced to return to China. As of now, Zhang remains at severe and imminent risk of refoulement.