Thai Court Upholds Extradition Law in She Zhijiang Case

BANGKOK, Oct 22 (TNA) - Thailand's Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on Wednesday that the country's Extradition Act is constitutional, removing a legal obstacle for the extradition of jailed gambling tycoon She Zhijiang.

The court, in a 9-0 decision, determined that Sections 19 and 21 of the Extradition Act (2008)—the provisions challenged by She's defense—do not violate the Constitution, specifically the articles guaranteeing rights and equality. The court found the law contains sufficient safeguards for a fair trial and does not limit rights excessively.

The challenge was lodged by China-born She Zhijiang, who holds Cambodian citizenship. He was arrested in Bangkok in 2022 on an Interpol Red Notice sought by Beijing. He is accused of running illegal online gambling operations and casinos in Myanmar, allegedly causing over 150 million Yuan (around 700 million Thai Baht) in damages.

The ruling allows the Thai judicial process, currently at the Appeal Court level, to proceed.

The decision advances the case as She fights an extradition order issued by a lower Thai court amid conflicting claims and demands.

Through his legal team, She claimed in a letter to Interpol that he endured "inhumane treatment," including violence, in a Thai prison.  

However, Thai Justice Minister, at the time, Tawee Sodsong formally denied the abuse claims in January this year, insisting She was treated humanely with lawyer access. -819 (TNA)