Thailand approves extradition treaty with Russia

Thailand's government approved an extradition treaty with Russia on Wednesday, a move that has been put on the table as Russian nationals arrive in the Asian country in a bid to avoid being recruited as part of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to the authorities, the treaty aims to "increase cooperation in the fight against crime". Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the treaty was "in line" with those reached with other countries. According to The Nation, the pact does not require parliamentary approval because it "does not affect Thailand's land, economy, society or trade and investment." Thousands of Russians are trying to avoid military service, and many of them have moved to Thailand since the start of the war. In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Ministry of Justice to sign an extradition deal with Thailand.