US, Japan Issue Security Alerts After Thailand's Uyghur Deportation

[webfact]

This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.(Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP)

 

In a move triggering international concern, Thailand has secretly deported 40 Uyghur asylum seekers back to China, prompting the United States and Japan to issue security alerts for their nationals currently in the country. The deportation, which took place on Thursday, has reignited fears due to previous violent retaliations associated with similar actions.

 

The US Embassy in Bangkok, responding swiftly, highlighted the risks by recalling the 2015 incident where a bombing at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok led to the tragic loss of 20 lives, with 125 others injured. This attack followed a similar deportation of Uyghurs, underscoring the potentially grave implications of such decisions. The Erawan Shrine, a bustling location favoured by tourists including those from China, became a stark symbol of the risks involved.

 

In its advisory, the US Embassy has urged American citizens to exercise heightened caution when visiting crowded places, identifying tourist hotspots, shopping centres, and public transport systems as areas of potential risk. They also encouraged reviewing personal security strategies and adhering to local authority guidance.

 

Similarly, the Japanese Embassy has echoed these concerns, particularly given Japanese fatalities in the 2015 shrine bombing. Although the embassy maintains its overall risk assessment for Thailand remains unchanged, it advised Japanese citizens to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to high tourist traffic.

 

Japan's warning emphasises the importance of caution at event venues, restaurants, hotels, religious sites, and other crowded locations. These areas could potentially be targeted, causing ripple effects through the expatriate and tourist communities alike.

The international community, including human rights organisations, has expressed grave concerns over Thailand's decision to deport the Uyghur group. These organisations have consistently warned about the risks faced by Uyghurs upon their forced return to China, including potential torture and ill-treatment. However, China has categorically dismissed these claims as "groundless lies."

 

This developing situation underscores the complexity of international relations and human rights politics, with nations on alert for any backlash that might arise from this controversial deportation. The stakes remain high, particularly for the Uyghurs themselves, who have been in Thailand for over a decade amid fears for their safety if returned to Chinese soil.

 

As the situation unfolds, both US and Japanese citizens are urged to stay informed and cautious during their time in Thailand, where vigilance remains a prudent course of action in the wake of recent events, reported Thai PBS.

 

-- 2025-03-01

 

 

 

[Aussie999]

time to place sanctions on Thailand, or more importantly, the assets of the government officials, they should also be taken to ICC.

[Tropicalevo]

Thailand managing to shoot itself in the foot - again, in its rush to appease its Chinese master.

Let's see if the tourist numbers from the USA and Japan suddenly dip.

As for that place on the UNHRC council - Thailand should be removed.

 

Does a 'security alert' invalidate insurance policies?