Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs to China despite offers for resettlement from the U.S., Sweden, and Australia. Opposition members assert that the government misrepresented the situation, leading to concerns about potential human rights violations. The U.S. criticized Thailand’s actions, linking them to broader issues of international human rights compliance.
Thailand has recently come under scrutiny for its decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China despite having received offers from three countries, including the United States, for their resettlement. Reports indicate that the deportation occurred on February 27, 2025, following a request from Beijing, which assured the safety of the individuals. However, there are significant concerns regarding potential torture upon their return to Xinjiang, where they had originally fled over a decade ago. Currently, five Uyghurs are detained in a Thai prison, while the whereabouts of three remain unknown.
Thai Opposition Member of Parliament Kannavee Suebsang disclosed that the government had misrepresented the situation regarding resettlement offers. He stated, “We’re revealing this because the government has consistently claimed that no country was willing or that they contacted countries but no one would accept the Uyghurs.” He specified that the nations willing to accept the Uyghurs were the United States, Sweden, and Australia, contradicting the Thai government’s claims of receiving no assistance.
In a statement to Radio Free Asia, a U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed past offers for resettlement, emphasizing their longstanding efforts to find solutions for the detained Uyghurs. Despite the stated offers, Thailand allegedly declined them to comply with Chinese requests. Kannavee elaborated by saying that, “China asked Thailand not to send Uyghurs to any country and wanted Thailand to consider returning them to China.”
Concerns regarding human rights abuses faced by Uyghurs in Xinjiang have been highlighted by various observers. Sunai Phasuk from Human Rights Watch echoed this sentiment, noting that multiple countries had indicated a willingness to accept the Uyghurs but that Thailand did not act on these offers. He remarked on the Thai government’s stance, suggesting they only recognize official expressions of interest through diplomatic channels.
The actions taken by Thailand have prompted significant backlash from U.N. experts and human rights organizations, warning of the risks of torture for the repatriated Uyghurs. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the deportation, asserting that it contravenes international agreements and Thailand’s commitment to human rights. With strong ties to both the U.S. and China, Thailand’s decision illustrates the complexities of its diplomatic relations amid rising tensions regarding human rights.
In summary, Thailand’s decision to deport Uyghurs to China despite offers from the U.S., Sweden, and Australia has raised serious concerns about human rights abuses. The allegations of potential torture upon their return to Xinjiang have attracted international criticism. Opposition lawmakers and human rights advocates argue that Thailand’s actions contradict its commitments to uphold human rights, revealing the challenges faced by the nation in balancing relationships with major powers such as the United States and China.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
