Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs to China despite having offers from the U.S., Sweden, and Australia for their resettlement. Lawmaker Kannavee Suebsang contested the government’s claims that no other countries were willing to accept the Uyghurs, citing confirmed offers. Human rights advocates have voiced concerns about potential torture upon their return to China, highlighting a conflict between Thailand’s diplomatic relations and human rights commitments.
Thailand has faced significant criticism following its recent decision to deport 40 detained Uyghurs to China despite having received offers for their resettlement from three countries, including the United States. Opposition lawmaker Kannavee Suebsang revealed that the government had received offers from the U.S., Sweden, and Australia, which they allegedly ignored under pressure from Beijing. This deportation occurred on February 27, 2025, amid warnings from human rights advocates regarding the risks of torture upon their return to Xinjiang, their homeland from which they originally fled over a decade ago.
The Thai government described the repatriation as voluntary, asserting that it was conducted following a formal request from China, who guaranteed the safety of the individuals involved. However, this assertion is contested by opposition members who claim it contradicts the presence of alternative resettlement options. “We reveal this because the government has consistently claimed that no country was willing…to accept the Uyghurs,” stated Kannavee, stressing that he had received confirmation during a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the availability of offers from willing countries.
Human Rights Watch’s senior researcher, Sunai Phasuk, asserted that multiple countries had indeed expressed readiness to accept the Uyghurs but that Thailand’s lack of follow-up prevented these offers from being realized. He noted that the current government narrative suggests returning the Uyghurs to China was the only viable option, implying a mismanagement of diplomatic dialogues concerning their resettlement.
Beijing has dismissed claims of potential danger for the Uyghurs, asserting they would be safely rejoined with their families in China. In contrast, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that Thailand’s actions contradict international agreements and undermine its commitments to human rights protections, further intensifying the scrutiny directed at Thai authorities regarding their decision-making process.
In summary, Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China has sparked a profound debate about human rights and international responsibilities. While the Thai government maintains that the repatriation was conducted under Chinese assurances of safety, evidence indicates that offers from other nations to resettle the detained individuals were overlooked. This incident has raised concerns from multiple human rights organizations, signaling tensions in Thailand’s diplomatic relationships and adherence to international human rights standards.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
