Joshua Wong being detained for stepping foot in Thailand sends a dangerous message to other activists who are only using their civil rights as well as setting a precedence to surrounding countries who are facing such the same problems that China is. Also, this further adds to the growing independence of Hong Kong from China. Hong Kong authorities respected Mr. Wong’s rights, while China supported Thailand’s immigration policy.
The possible causes for this detainment could be that Thailand deeply fears a political movement influenced by unhappy people or else they would of allowed entry. On the other hand, China could have been behind the call for his detainment, as they have reportedly done in the past with other prominent protesters. This works in their benefit because of Thailand’s geographical location. China already is experiencing discourse with it’s election and doesn’t need a rebellious Thailand influencing the vote. Mr. Wong’s deportation was merely a product of fear on either Thailands or Chinas part, which could weaken their hold on their respective citizens or lead to more drastic measures that place their people in a state of helplessness and possible collapse.
In an age where secrecy is obsolete because of mass media, China/Thailand cannot hide it’s motives. The fact that Mr. Wong reportedly was invited to speak to Thai students about democracy says a thousand words. These two states are fearful of people exercising their rights.