BANGKOK — Thailand has deported 40 Uyghur asylum-seekers back to China, despite strong warnings from human rights advocates and U.S. officials about the risks of torture and imprisonment they might face upon their return. The individuals had been detained for over a decade after fleeing China in search of protection in Thailand.
The groups deported were part of a larger group of more than 300 people who were arrested in 2014. Despite international concerns, the Chinese government continues to deny allegations of widespread abuses against the Uyghur population, which is predominantly Muslim and primarily resides in the Xinjiang region.
Thai national police chief Kitrat Phanphet confirmed that the deportation occurred, indicating that Chinese officials expressed their commitment to care for the deported Uyghurs. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security referred to the detainees simply as Chinese nationals, neglecting to confirm whether they were Uyghurs.
Rights groups and Thai lawmakers condemned the Thai government’s actions, which contradicted previous statements indicating no plans to deport the Uyghurs. Thai opposition lawmaker Kannavee Suebsang criticized the decision, asserting that it represents a violation of human rights.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, remarked that this deportation is a “blatant violation of Thailand’s obligations under domestic and international laws,” highlighting the imminent threat of torture and imprisonment these individuals now face in China.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended his country’s actions, asserting that China is a “rule-of-law country” with laws protecting human rights. He claimed that all ethnic groups in China, including the Uyghurs, enjoy full rights.
Images released by Thai media showed trucks leaving Bangkok’s immigration center, where the remaining Uyghurs had been held. Reports indicate that a flight by China Southern Airlines departed from Don Mueang Airport in the early hours, landing in Xinjiang several hours later.
Before the deportation, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra refrained from confirming any deportations but emphasized the need to adhere to laws, international processes, and human rights standards.
This is not the first time Thailand has faced criticism for deporting Uyghurs, having sent over 100 members of the group back to China in 2015, while others were sent to Turkey. Since then, several of those remaining in Thailand have died, with reports suggesting serious health issues among other detainees.
The fate of eight Uyghur detainees who were not deported remains uncertain. Rights activists have raised concerns over the treatment of Uyghurs in Thai detention, alleging denial of access to family, legal representation, and international organizations. U.N. experts previously flagged these concerns, cautioning that Thailand’s approach might contravene international law.
Concerns regarding imminent deportation prompted the U.N. to urge Thailand to refrain from repatriating the detainees, emphasizing the “real risk of torture or other cruel treatment” if sent back to China. Rights activists argue that Uyghurs in China experience significant discrimination and suppression of cultural identity, with Western governments asserting that China’s policies against Uyghurs equate to genocide.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed commitment to preventing the deportation and cited plans to engage Thailand on protecting the rights of the Uyghur detainees. Furthermore, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have advised Thai leaders to consider U.S. proposals rather than proceed with such deportations.
