Members of the China Democracy Party and human rights advocates petition outside the Thai Consulate General in Los Angeles to show their support for Zhou Junyi, on June 17, 2025. Courtesy of Jie Lijian
Chinese political dissident Zhou Junyi was arrested four months ago in Thailand for alleged visa violations. He now faces the risk of deportation back to China—a development that has alarmed the overseas Chinese pro-democracy community.
Many Chinese dissidents and activists, when facing threats to their lives in China due to their political views or human rights work, have chosen to flee to Thailand. Some crossed borders on foot through remote, rugged terrain, in desperate attempts to escape persecution. Thailand, once viewed as a relatively accessible and neutral transit point, offered a glimmer of hope for those seeking asylum or United Nations protection.
