Thailand’s Controversial Repatriation of Uyghurs to China Amid…

Thailand repatriated 40 Uyghurs to China despite offers from the U.S., Sweden, and Australia to accept them, raising concerns over potential human rights abuses following their deportation and contradicting claims of no available resettlement options. Critics accuse the Thai government of misleading the public about international support and prioritizing relations with China over human rights.

Thailand faced scrutiny after the repatriation of 40 detained Uyghurs to China on February 27, 2025. Despite warnings from the U.S., the United Nations, and human rights organizations regarding the potential for torture, Thai officials stated that the deportation was voluntary and followed a formal request from Beijing. Five other Uyghurs remain in custody in Thailand, while the fate of three others remains unknown.

Opposition lawmaker Kannavee Suebsang claimed that Thailand had received offers from three countries, including the U.S., for the resettlement of the Uyghurs, contrary to government assertions of a lack of other options. During a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 10, 2024, he indicated that officials had acknowledged these offers, which included Sweden and Australia as willing parties.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that offers had been made previously to resettle the Uyghurs in America, stating that efforts had been ongoing for years to negotiate a resolution. Despite attempts by various nations to assist, Thailand allegedly deferred these offers at China’s request to facilitate the repatriation of the Uyghurs back to China.

Sunai Phasuk from Human Rights Watch echoed that multiple nations had expressed an interest in accepting the Uyghurs. He asserted that the Thai government had failed to pursue these opportunities, thereby enforcing the narrative that no alternatives existed for the Uyghurs, which he deemed misleading.

Chinese authorities dismissed claims of potential harm, asserting that the repatriated individuals would be reunited with their families. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Thailand’s actions, claiming they contradicted international human rights obligations and expressed concerns over the treatment of the deported individuals. The repatriation has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and U.N. experts, who warned Thailand of the serious risks the Uyghurs would face if returned to China.

The deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand to China has sparked significant unrest, particularly given the claims of torture and human rights abuses awaiting them in China. Despite the potential offers for resettlement from the United States, Sweden, and Australia, Thailand opted for repatriation following pressure from Beijing. This situation illustrates the complexities of Thailand’s foreign relations and its balancing act between Western alliances and cooperation with China.

Original Source: www.rfa.org