© International Island Games Association
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 Shetland campaign to keep Island Games competitor from deportation Over 7,000 Shetlanders have so far expressed their support for 23 year old Sakchai Makao who risks deportation to Thailand for an old crime he already has served time for. The frustration on Shetland is huge. Sakchai works for The Recreational Trust and has competed in three NatWest Island Games representing Shetland. About 800 people attended a rally to show support for the young man in Lerwick last week. Sakchai's sister Uthai broke down in tears as she addressed the crowd. There were also rousing speeches from campaign organiser Davie Gardner, Alistair Carmichael MP, Tavish Scott MSP, SIC convenor Sandy Cluness, and Sandra Jamieson, Shetland Island Games Association chairman. Many of them familiar to the members of the International Island Games Association. Sakchai, 23, was taken from his Lerwick home in a raid two weeks ago and remains in Durham prison awaiting his fate and possible deportation to Thailand, a country he has not seen since he was ten. An application for bail has been lodged by Sakchai's legal representatives in Newcastle. The hearing will take place Tuesday 20 June. |
