Well, he most certainly could have gone back to Germany if he thought his family would be safe. Like many of those doctors/researchers willing to speak up, the threats were real. I remember when he went back to Thailand. He was still doing guest interview appearances online. At the time his son was very young and he has connections to the Thai royal family. It was the safest place for him. Bhakdi did not stop speaking out though and he remains on the front line of this battle.