My Take | Love him or loathe him, Joshua Wong keeps Hong Kong in global political spotlight
Student activist could go old-school and travel to countries where he would be welcomed, but instead chooses places where he is bound to be kicked out
Joshua Wong Chi-fung has a habit of visiting countries that deny him entry. Whether Thailand kept the student leader out at the urging of China or did it on its own is a somewhat academic question. One way or another, Thailand, like a few other countries in Asia, is happy to do it.
Wong flew to Bangkok last week at the invitation of students at Chulalongkorn University to talk about democracy but was detained at the airport before being sent back to Hong Kong. This was not the first time. Last year, he tried to visit Malaysia and was kicked out.
Perhaps he should take a lesson from seasoned pros like Anson Chan Fang On-sang and Martin Lee Chu-ming, who only visit friendly countries where they are guaranteed a red-carpet treatment.
Both are visiting Australia. Their purpose? If you are a pan-democrat, they are there to make the case for Hong Kong’s autonomy. If you are in the pro-establishment camp, it’s to bad-mouth Beijing and the Hong Kong government.
No matter. Both are usually treated like state leaders on semi-official visits. They will meet Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and other political leaders.
