Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister, Russ Jalichandra, admitted that the country received offers from various nations to resettle 40 detained Uyghurs before their recent deportation to China. He termed these offers unrealistic, fearing potential retaliation from China. Opposition voices highlighted that nations like the U.S., Sweden, and Australia were willing to assist, while the silence from Muslim-majority nations regarding the deportation has raised significant concerns about geopolitical dynamics.
On March 6, 2025, Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister, Russ Jalichandra, acknowledged that various countries had made offers to resettle 40 Uyghurs detained in Thailand. This admission marks a significant deviation from prior official denials. He described the resettlement proposals as “unrealistic,” stating that accepting them could lead to “retaliation from China,” adversely impacting many Thai citizens’ livelihoods.
Russ Jalichandra asserted that deporting the Uyghurs to China was the “best option.” He did not disclose which countries were prepared to accept the Uyghurs, stating, “Some countries had requested to take them in, but I chose not to name these countries to avoid impacting other nations.” Thailand executed the repatriation of the Uyghurs on February 27, disregarding multiple warnings regarding the potential risks of torture the individuals may face upon returning to China.
After the deportation, it was revealed by Thai opposition member of parliament, Kannavee Suebsang, that nations such as the United States, Sweden, and Australia had expressed willingness to accept Uyghurs for resettlement. He criticized the government for claiming a lack of international support, highlighting that such nations had shown readiness to assist.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that the U.S. had persistently sought to avoid this circumstance by proposing resettlement options for the Uyghurs. Despite international concerns, the Chinese government reassured that the deported men would be reunited with their families.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the Thai government’s actions, stating the Uyghurs were handed “to the oppressors, torturers, and murderers of their people.” CAIR’s Deputy Director criticized the lack of response from Muslim governments, attributing their silence to fear of China’s influence, and called for Muslim organizations to advocate for the Uyghur community.
In light of this event, Abdulhakim Idris from the Uyghur Research Center pointed out the silence from Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, attributing it to China’s dominant economic position in the region. He articulated concerns regarding the hypocrisy displayed by Muslim nations when addressing social injustices against Muslims globally while remaining silent on the oppression faced by Uyghurs.
The recent acknowledgment from Thailand’s Vice Foreign Minister regarding the availability of resettlement options for detained Uyghurs indicates a notable shift in the narrative surrounding the deportation. The adamant disregard for international warnings about human rights abuses highlights ongoing challenges in balancing domestic interests with international obligations. Furthermore, the silence from Muslim-majority nations raises critical concerns about geopolitical influences and the responsibilities of nations in upholding human rights.
Original Source: www.benarnews.org
