A day that began with Rahaf Mohammed Mutlaq Alqunun barricading herself inside a Bangkok airport hotel room to avoid deportation is ending with a degree of hope — UN Refugee Agency officials have finally met with the 18-year-old asylum seeker.
In a statement released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) a little over 30 minutes ago, they confirmed that Thai authorities had granted the agency access to Alqunun — who has been held Suvarnabhumi International Airport since yesterday and tweeting her desire to meet with UNHCR officials throughout the day.
While UN officials are not allowed to comment on the details of the meeting or its outcome, Alqunun is expected to remain in the UN’s custody, according to ABC reporter Sophie McNeill.
UN has arrived. They are interviewing Rahaf. They gave their word that she would remain in their custody & that she is now safe. This is what they promised @UNHCRThailand @Reaproy @melissarfleming
— Sophie McNeill (@Sophiemcneill) January 7, 2019
Separately, Thailand’s high-profile Immigration chief, Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, seemed to offer indications that the Thai government’s position on Alqunun’s case was quickly softening.
Speaking at a press conference at the airport, Surachate said the 18 year old will not be forcibly deported, according to multiple outlets.
“If she does not want to leave, we will not force her,” he said.
Barely an hour later, Lt. Gen. Surachate followed up his comment with a cryptic tweet that appears to indicate a 360-degree turn from where we started the morning.
We stand for the Humanity….
— Surachate Hakparn (@hakparn) January 7, 2019
The immigration chief had told the BBC yesterday that Alqunun was escaping an arranged marriage and did not have a visa to enter Thailand, which is a violation of the kingdom’s laws. A subsequent tweet suggested the Thai government was prepared to cooperate with the Saudis.
“The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Thailand coordinated us to send her back because she came here without a guardian. If we allow her to enter, she will be unsafe during her stay,” he tweeted at about 1pm today.
By the time of the press conference though, Surachate was singing a decidedly different tune.
“Since Thailand is the Land of Smiles, of course we won’t send someone to their death,” he was quoted as saying by Khaosod English.
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