Originally Posted by
Often1
OP advises that this was between DXB and HKT, neither of which are in the EU and don't appear likely to sign up.
Originally Posted by
mjmal51
The route was MAN-DXB-BKK, booked in F with the DXB-BKK downgraded to J.
A flight from MAN-DXB-BKK is covered by EC261 and if a refund is not forthcoming then OP can take action via arbitration scheme or MCOL.
Where connecting flights are involved, courts have generally ruled this to be in scope of EC261 even where the connecting flight is on another airline.
I do wonder why people try to sound authoritative and advise others without having a proper grasp of appropriate legislation.