Top Thai security body to rule on detained Russian band

Photo shows the exterior of the Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok where some of the members of Russian band Bi-2 are being held. - AP

BANGKOK: Thailand's prime minister and security chiefs are to rule on a dissident Russian-Belarusian rock band held on immigration charges, a minister said Wednesday (Jan 31) as calls mounted for them not to be deported to Russia.

Thai officials detained members of the band Bi-2, who have criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine, last week after they played a gig on Phuket, a southern island popular with Russian holidaymakers.